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History of Michigan 



By 

Lawton T. Hemans 

Member of Michigan Legislatures of 1901 and 1903 

Member of Ingham County Bar, and 

Author of Life and Times of Stevens T. Mason 



First Edition 



Lansing, Michigan 
Hammond Publishing Company, Limited 

1906 









Copyright 1906 

THE HAMMOND PUBLISHING COMPANY 

Limited 




PREFACE. 

The twofold phase of our government, state and federal, 
is familiar to us all. The desirability of a knowledge of the 
principles and institutions of state concern, as distinguished 
from those of a national character, is now quite generally 
admitted. Indeed, it is thought that a familiarity with the 
institutions com.mon to our townships, counties, and the 
state, should precede the study of the more distant and 
complex institutions of the general government. It is like- 
wise generally believed that in the study of history the 
analogy holds true, and that the youth, before he is required 
to learn and comprehend the great national and world wide 
movements of history, should be told the story of his own 
state. One of the essential equipments for good citizenship 
is a knowledge of that noble band of men and women who, 
as pioneers, felled the forests, made the homesteads, organ- 
ized the townships and the counties, and laid the foundations 
of the commonwealth. With a thorough knowledge of the 
history of the state and the principles of its government, 
the youth is at least equipped to discharge intelligently those 
civic duties with which he is most intimately connected, while 
a desire for a knowledge of history and government in their 
higher and broader relations is also fostered. 

It is to fulfill this mission in Michigan that this little book 
has been prepared. It is dedicated to the boys and girls of 
Michigan, as it was inspired by the belief that their lives 
would reflect a higher standard of civic virtue if lived with 
an intimate acquaintance with those patriots and statesmen 
whose efforts have made for the state an honorable fame. 

No claim is made that the work will disclose many new 



6 PREFACE. 

historical facts. The pathway already made has been fol- 
lowed, and the works of Sheldon, Lanman, Campbell, Cooley, 
Hinsdale, Moore, and many others who have written 
of Michigan and the Northwest, have been carefully 
examined. Where possible, original sources of information 
were explored, and the attempt made to marshal, accurately, 
from all sources, the important facts of our state history in a 
succinct but connected story. 

If critical examination and practical test shall disclose 
errors of statement and arrangement, both author and pub- 
lisher will welcome notice of the fact, that such error may 
be the subject of future correction. Teachers and students 
will find much material of a supplemental nature in the 
biennial editions of The Michigan Legislative Manual (Red 
Book) and in the volumes of the Michigan Pioneer and His- 
torical Society, both of which publications should be in every 
school library. The official lists, character sketches, and 
statistical tables in these volumes will immeasurably broaden 
the field to which this little book may open the way. 

The author desires to express his indebtedness for the 
many valuable suggestions received from Hon. Jason E. 
Hammond, late Superintendent of Public Instruction, and 
from Miss Zella M. Harvey, at present editor and proof- 
reader of that department, who have rendered material 
service in editing and arranging the text for the special field 
for which it is designed. 

Mason, Mich., September ist, 1906. 

Lawton T. Hemans. 



CONTENTS 

LIST OF CHAPTERS AND TITLES 

Page. 
CHAPTER I. The Story of Michigan, Introductory - 9 

CHAPTER II. First Century of French Occupation - 1 5 

CHAPTER III. The Jesuit Pathfinders ... 26 

CHAPTER IV. Attempts at Colonization - - 38 

CHAPTER V. The Settlement of Detroit - - 53 

:H AFTER VI. English Occupation - - - 62 

CHAPTER VII. The Territory Lingers in British Control 74 

CHAPTER VIII. A Part of the Northwest Territory - 95 

CHAPTER IX. Territorial Tutelage . - - 125 

CHAPTER X. The Passing of the Territory - 139 

CHAPTER XI. Statehood and Its Trials - - 155 

CHAPTER XII. A Period of Retrenchment - - 182 

CHAPTER XIII. Through Civil Strife to Peaceful Days - 204 

CHAPTER XIV. A Half Century of Statehood Completed 221 

CHAPTER XV. The Close of the Nineteenth Century - 240 

CHAPTER XVI. Michigan Today - - - 254 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

CHAPTER I. 

The: Story of Michigan, Introductory. 

The Geography of a Country has very much to do with 
the history of the people who come to hve within it. Indeed, 
the geography of a country and the history of its people may 
be said to be inseparably connected ; and we shall find in the 
story of Michigan that many of those events, in which she 
and the region of which the state forms a portion have 
played so large a part, had their first causes in geographical 
conditions rather than in the designs and purposes of men. 

The Discoverers and Early Explorers of the American 
continent were long in learning the extent and physical char- 
acteristics of the new world. Even the colonists of the early 
times knew little more of the country than that it offered an 
asylum from intolerable conditions in their European homes. 
They came to the new found land with fixed purposes and 
intentions, and labored with zeal and energy to carry them 
into execution ; but now that centuries have passed, and their 
deeds of daring and adventure have been written, we can 
clearly see that in the larger sense it was 

The Geographical Features of the country that gave 
direction to their efforts. The mountains and the plains, the 
lakes and the rivers, all played important parts in determin- 
ing the time when, the places where, and the people by 
whom civilization would be planted on our soil. In many 
instances it was the configuration of the land and the ease 
of passage afforded by its river highways, rather than the 

9 



10 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

well formed plans of men, which shaped the trend of events 
in those great movements of colonization and empire in the 
new world during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. 
These were movements which embroiled Indian tribes and 
European nations in years of strife and bloody war, and 
which live to give color to our present thought and action. 

As we view a map of the eastern portion of North 
America today, its main features are brought instantly to 
our attention. But a comparatively few miles from the At- 
lantic ocean and in a rough way parallel with it, back from 
Gaspe Peninsula where it juts into the waters of the lower 
St. Lawrence, extends the 

Appalachian System of Mountains. This mountain 
range is 1,300 miles in length and from fifty to one hundred 
miles in width, its southern limit lost in the foot hills and 
central plain of northern Alabama and Georgia. The range 
though quite continuous in its character has many local 
names. It is the White and the Green mountains of New 
England, the Adirondacks and Catskills of New York, the 
Alleghany and Blue Ridge of Pennsylvania and Virginia, 
South Mountain, the Black, and the Smoky of the states 
further south. 

The altitude as compared w^ith that of the other mountain 
ranges of the continent is not great, averaging from 1,500 
to 3,000 feet, with occasional peaks like Mt. Washington of 
New Hampshire, rising to 6,294 feet, and Mt. Mitchell in 
North Carolina with its head 6,707 feet above the sea. 

Ample Plains and Gently Undulating Country to the 
south and on the sea side of the mountains become more and 
more restricted until at the north the rugged foot hills seem 
buttressed by the ocean waste. 

At the north the Hudson and the Mohawk valleys give an 
entrance way through the mountains to the interior, but in 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 11 

the early days of colonization it was an entrance which the 
great Iroquois confederacy made more difficult of passage 
than as though it had been filled with mountain barriers. The 
Susquehanna, the Delaware, the Potomac, and the James 
likewise cut deep into the Atlantic plain. They take their 
waters from the nearby hills and mountains and in neither 
course nor volume give suggestion of the mighty land en- 
dowed with charms and richness, that lies beyond. At the 
south, rounding the Peninsula of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico 
with 3,000 miles of coast line and tributary streams gives 
ready access to a country of vast extent. 

The West Indies and the country adjacent to the Gulf of 
Mexico was destined to be the theatre of conquest and 
colonization by the Spanish nation, although the maritime 
nations of Europe, following the discoveries of Columbus, 
sought to share in the glories of adventure incident to ex- 
ploration. 

Spain Long Enjoyed the distinction of being the sole 
pioneer in colonization. The romantic tales of Balboa, 
Cortez, Pizarro, De Narvaez and De Soto had been told be- 
fore 1540. By 1565 they had founded and garrisoned a 
castle at St. Augustine to guard the coast line of their 
Spanish mighty empire. For upwards of a century the 

Explorers great Mississippi, which her soldiers of fortune 
had discovered, offered the means of access to a land of vast 
extent, but she turned from the possibiHties of an empire 
surpassing imagination to search for gold, content if her 
galleons returned laden with treasures of which the Antilles 
and the kingdoms of the Incas had been despoiled. 

England Early Manifested an interest in this new world 
which the genius of Columbus had made known. On June 
24, 1497, John Cabot with his son Sebastian, sailing in a 
single vessel under a patent from Henry VII., touched the 



12 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

shore of the mainland of North America. In 1498, father and 
son in a second voyage again visited the continent and 
coasted its shore for many leagues. 

Both of these voyages are more or less wrapped in obscur- 
ity, but there is foundation for the belief that the coast was 
touched at intervals between points as remote from one an- 
other as Labrador and the Carolinas. Sebastian Cabot was 
for many years in the service of the English king who, set- 
John and tied a pension upon him as Grand Pilot of Eng- 
Sebastian land. Although the jurists, statesmen, and his- 
Cabot torians of England have always made the dis- 

coveries of the Cabots the basis of their claims upon the con- 
tinent, yet it is evident that they neither comprehended nor 
appreciated these discoveries at the time, for they allowed 
John Cabot, the man who had brought them an empire larger 
than the empire of the Caesars, to die without preserving to 
the world the record of the place of his birth, or where and 
when he died. 

Following the exploits of the Cabots, England was so 
absorbed in matters of internal discord that well nigh a cen- 
tury was destined to pass before she gave serious attention 
to schemes of commerce and colonization in her new found 
possessions. 

The stories of Spain's golden harvest from her western 
possessions, and England's pretensions, brought tardy action 
from her great rival, 

France. If her cupidity was late in being aroused, it was 
prompt in execution, for Francis I. of France took time dur- 
ing his Italian campaign to order John Verrazano, a Floren- 
tine navigator in his employ, to make a voyage of discovery 
to the new world. The details of the first voyage of 1623 are 
wanting. From the second voyage, which started from the 
Maderia Islands on the 17th of January, 1624, we get the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 13 

first description of the eastern coast line of North America. 
Verrazano'fl A voyage of fifty days brought Verrazano to 
Voyage the CaroHna shore. After a short voyage south- 

ward he turned the vessel's prow to the north, skirted the 
shores, stopping at many places, including the Bay of New 
York, and reached the northern limits of his exploration 
on the shores of Nova Scotia. 

This voyage was of value as the most authentic source of 
information regarding the coast of North America. It was 
the basis upon which the French sought to build the empire 
of New France, the name that Verrazano had bestowed upon 
the barbaric wild that lay beyond the rock-bound shore. 
France thus approached the goal of what was to be her re- 
markable operation of discovery and exploration, and the 
place in which her people were to enact in real life the most 
thrilling pages of American history,— the valley of the St. 
Lawrence and its contiguous territory. 

It is at the northern extremity of the Appalachian moun- 
tains that the sea has broken through the mountain wall and 
made an outlet for the waters of the majestic 

St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes, and their tributaries. 
There is a continuous waterway from Anticosti Island to the 
head waters of the St. Louis in Minnesota, allowing easy ac- 
cess from the sea for a distance of 2,200 miles into the heart 
of the continent. No serious portage blocks the way in the 
entire distance except at the Falls of Niagara. More remark- 
able still is the fact that the tributaries of this great water 
Physical highway in no place take their sources in moun- 
Features of tain ranges, but everywhere slight elevations of 
the Country adjacent country send the waters through the St.' 
Lawrence to the Atlantic, or through the Mississippi to the 
Gulf. 

At the western end of Lake Erie, the southern extremity 



14 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

of Lake Michigan, or the far western limits of the Great Su- 
perior, one is scarce a day's journey from streams that bore 
the early explorers by gentle current to the Mississippi, *'The 
Great Father of Waters." These natural conditions had ma- 
terial bearing, as we shall see, upon the settlement of Michi- 
gan and of the regions of which its territory is an integral 
part. 

How does the geography of any country influence its history? What 
geographical features of our own country aided in shaping her early history? 
What comprise the Appalachian system of mountains? How is access to the 
land beyond this Appalachian system gained? Describe this country. What 
part of North America did Spain seek to conquer and colonize? What explora- 
tion and colonizations gave Spain a right to be called the "pioneer in coloniza- 
tions"? How did England manifest an interest in the new world? Who were 
the Cabots? What was the result of their voyages? Mention some things 
which retarded interest in explorations in the new world. Why was France 
behind all the rest in starting her explorers? What can you say of Verrazano 
and the importance of his explorations? Describe the St. Lawrence and the 
Great Lakes as a waterway. 



CHAPTER IL 

First Century of French Occupation. 

Who the First European Was to visit the inner shores 
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence will, in all probability, never be 
known. Before Verrazano had skirted the shores of the con- 
tinent, the hardy fishermen of Brittany and the French coast 
had braved the terrors of Old Ocean and found the product- 
ive fisheries of Newfoundland and the Labrador coast. 

As early as 1506, these brave seamen had discovered and 

named the Island of Cape Breton. There are records to show 

„ , that in the same year one "John Denis of Hon- 

Fishermen . . . 

fleur" entered and charted some portion of the 

St. Lawrence Gulf. 

The exploits of these intrepid fishermen were at the time 
quite unknown ; of interest only to the restricted circle of the 
particular Norman, Basque, or Breton hamlet from which 
the individuals came, and to which they returned to recount 
their stories of daring and adventure. 

To Jacques Cartier the world owes the honor of being the 
discoverer of the St. Lawrence gulf and river. We say that 
Cartier is entitled to this honor because his expedition was 
under the authority of his government and the first to make 
known to his country and the world the knowledge of his 
discoveries. His exploits are of interest to us because he was 
the pathfinder of New France, which for more than one hun- 
dred and fifty years from his time was to include within its 
bounds the territorial limits of Michigan and whose priests 
and soldiers were to be the first to plant the cross and raise 
the standard of civilization upon its soil. 

15 



16 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cartier was himself a fisherman from the seagirt village 
of St. Malo on the north coast of Brittany. He was a man of 
courage, fitted for achievements. We may be sure that his 
fame as a master pilot had spread beyond the limits of his 
fisher kinfolk to those high in authority long before the 
French king sent him on his momentous voyage of discovery. 

There are Historians Who Believe that Cartier had 
visited the fisheries of Labrador and Newfoundland sev- 
eral times before he entered the service of his king. It was 
upon the morning of the 20th of April, 1534, that Cartier 
and his hardy seamen received the benediction of the village 
priest, the Godspeed of friends and kindred, and to the ring- 
ing of the bells cast off their moorings and were borne with 
the rushing tide toward the land of mystery and wonder. 

The Little Fleet reached the Newfoundland coast with- 
out incident or delay. Stormy weather in the straits of Belle 
Isle turned it southward along the western shore. Cartier 
rounded the Magdalen Islands, coasted Prince Edward's 
Island, and on the 8th of July made Chaleur Bay, and from 
the heat of the day of its discovery gave it the name it still 
retains. At Cape Gaspe he landed, and surrounded by awe- 
struck natives from the sombre woods and hills, planted a 
cross thirty-five feet in height embellished with the fleur-de- 
St. Law- lis, the first emblem of the Frenchman's faith 
rence River and authority upon the new found shore. Here 
and Gulf impressing two natives to act as pilots he struck 
boldly across the gulf, skirted the fog-draped shore of Anti- 
costi Island, repassed the strait of Belle Isle, and turned the 
prow of his ship towards his native land, where he arrived 
without mishap, unconscious that he had been in the sweep of 
the mighty river that was destined later to become the high- 
way over which his countrymen were to seek the interior of a 
vast domain. With the returning spring 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 17 

Cartier, Thirsting for More Knowledge of the myster- 
ious land and having a fleet of three caravels, again sailed 
v^estvvard to seek a passage that should bear him upon its 
bosom to the still greater wonders of Cathay. As rough 
weather retarded his passage, it was not until late in July that 
he reached the strait of Belle Isle. He sailed along the north- 
ern shore, and, on the 9th of August, sought shelter in a 
small bay opposite Anticosti Island. As the following day 
was the feast of Saint Laurens, that name was given to the 
bay to be later applied in its present form — Saint Lyaw- 
Origin of rence — to both gulf and river. From there the 
the Name explorer sailed into the mouth of the great river, 
which is eighty miles in width, in the hope that he had dis- 
covered in the north, as Magellan had at the south, a passage 
to the waters of India. 

This idea may have found confirmation in the statement of 
the Indian pilots, impressed the year before, who said that 
they were sailing upon the river without end. 

Entranced by the Wondrous Grandeur and magnifi- 
cence of the scenery, Cartier pursued his journey long after 
he must have been persuaded that he was not upon the 
coveted passage. He passed and noted the appalling gorge of 
Saguenay. Passing the Isle of Orleans he came into view of 
the bold escarpment where now stands the ro- 
mantic city of Quebec, then the squalid Huron 
village of Stadacone. 

As he came to anchorage within the basin below the rocky 
embattlement, the dusky tenants of the primitive village, in 
frail canoes, gathered about, dumb with astonishment and 
wonder. 

A Few Trinkets secured their friendship and they were 
soon guiding the discoverers by a circuitous path to the pro- 
montory from which they had watched the approach of the 
white-winged monsters. 



18 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The summit attained, Cartier beheld for the first time with 
the eyes of a European that entrancing panorama of natural 
grandeur which the succeeding centuries was to make the 
scene of many a tragedy in which the fate of empires was 
decided. 

At Stadacone, Cartier received information that a larger 
and more important town, known as Hochelaga, was situated 
farther up the river. Thither Cartier bent his way. On the 
2d of October he was received as a guest within the palisade 
of the native fortress, the object of almost worshipful atten- 
tion by the dusky throng. Behind the native city ran a height 
of land symmetrical in proportion and mantled with forest 
green to which the frosts of early autumn had added tints of 
crimson and gold. 

Qharmed with its Bold, Wild Beauty, he at first sight 

gave it the name of ''Mont Royale," a name which time has 

changed to Montreal. The next morning Cartier availed 

himself of a view from its summit. Beneath him, its limits 

fixed only by the power of vision, stretched the silent forest 

georgeous in its vestments of a departing season. He could 

__ ^ , see the great river that had borne him on its 
Montreal ^ 

bosom, and he could see where, coming from 

the northward, the great Ottawa poured in its turbid flood. 

Admonished of approaching winter, Cartier hastened back 
to the vicinity of Stadacone to stay until the coming of 
spring. It is not to our purpose to detail the suffering of the 
winter's waiting, or tell the story 

Of the Subsequent Voyage of Cartier, in 1541, when in 
conjunction with Roberval, a Picard seigneur, he made an 
unsuccessful attempt to plant a colony in the wilderness of 
New France. 

These were incidents which brought little or no new 
knowledge of the country. Cartier made a map and wrote in 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 19 

his "Bref Recit," a description of his voyages and explora- 
„. tions, but many years were to pass before the 

people of his native land were to have a general 
knowledge of the country. 

For a long time the thoughts and energies of the French 
people were to be absorbed by their religious wars which 
were not quieted until toward the commencement of the 
seventeenth century. The fisheries and the occasional barter 
between fisherman and Indians for their furs constituted for 
fifty years the only connecting link between France and her 
western possessions. 

The Time had Arrived for the commencement of the 
colonization of the new world. The art of printing was dif- 
fusing knowledge of the new country, and France was free 
from her religious wars and able to direct her energies to- 
ward peaceful conquests. Men of speculative genius were 
turning their attention to the possibilities of the new world. 

Among the men commissioned by Henry VI. to prosecute 
anew the efforts for colonization was a young man of thirty- 
French six years, a native of the sea hamlet of Brouage 
Coloniz- on the Bay of Biscay. He was a captain of the 
ation royal navy, fresh from adventures for his king 
in the West Indies, devout and high minded, fitted in tem- 
perament and physique to be the founder, as Cartier had been 
the pathfinder, of New France. The name of this young man 
was Samuel de Champlain, a name that will ever stand fore- 
most in the annals of French-America. It was in 1603 that 

Champlain Conducted a Surveying Expedition to locate 
the most available site for a settlement from which to prose- 
cute the fur trade monopoly. Although he carefully ex- 
amined the St. Lawrence shores from the Gulf to the Falls 
of St. Louis, the settlement of the company, of which De 
Monts was the head, was made at the island of St. Croix. 



20 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

With its failure and the experiences of Champlain in the 
exploration of the Atlantic coast to Cape Cod, we have little 
concern, although they did give to the practical mind of 
Champlain the knowledge that the natural point for the pro- 
Cham- motion of the fur trade and the carrying for- 
plain's Ex- ward of missionary enterprises was along the 
p edition great highway of the St. Lawrence, and not 
upon the Atlantic coast line. 

To revive the failing fortunes of De Monts it was 
arranged that stations in that quarter should be established. 
To effect the enterprise two small vessels sailed from Hon- 
fleur on the 13th day of April, 1608, one under Pontgrave, 
to revive a deserted station at Tadousac, and the other under 
Champlain, bearing the pioneer colony to the wilderness of 
Canada. Pontgrave stopped as had been arranged, but 

Champlain Held His Course up the Majestic River. 
Although the way was not new to him, he again scanned with 
eager interest the advantages of each point along the rugged 
shore. Not until he had passed the Isle of Orleans did his 
enthusiasm kindle at the discovery of a place preeminently 
fitted for his plans. In the harbor, back of which the bold 
escarpment of Cape Diamond frowned across the St. Law- 
rence at the opposing Heights of Levi, he cast his anchor. 
Here he landed and before the close of day the silence of the 
forest solitude was broken by the axe-men's blows as trees 
were felled to build, upon the deserted site of Stadacone, 
the cabins and palisade that were to mark the modest be- 
ginnings of Quebec. 

Thus Champlain's colony was founded a twelve months be- 
fore Henry Hudson sailed from Amsterdam on his voyage 
for the discovery of the river which bears his name, and but 
a year after the planting of the first English colony at James- 
town. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 21 

At the Time of the Founding of Quebec, a savage war- 
fare was in progress between the Huron nation, whose tribal 
Iroquois home was easterly of the lake which bears its 
Indians name, and the atrocious Iroquois whose confed- 

eracy held despotic sway over the territory of the present 
state of New York. 

The interests of the French were in common with the 
Hurons, for the St. Lawrence and its tributaries brought 
them by easy passage with canoe loads of furs, the barter for 
which became the life of the settlement. 

Champlain C.ast His Lot with the Algonquins in their 
struggle against their hereditary foe. In the early spring of 
1609, joining forces with a war party of Hurons, he ascended 
the Richelieu to become the discoverer of the beautiful lake 
which bears his name. Near the present site of Ticonderoga 
they surprised and dispersed a Mohawk village. 

The savages fled panic stricken at the sound of muskets, 
which they had never before heard, and at whose report mys- 
terious death was spread among them. 

This was an Incident that cemented friendship between 
the French and their Algonquin neighbors. At the same time 
it brought the implacable hatred of the Iroquois, a hatred 
which was destined to be handed from the savage father to 
the no less savage son for many succeeding generations. 

A man of Champlain's temperament was not long satisfied 
with the accomplishments at Quebec. He longed to know 
Stories of m<"re of the regions in which the great rivers 
the Regions took their sources, of which the savages were 
Beyond constantly recounting tales of surprising wonder. 

By 161 1, he had made the present site of Montreal a meet- 
ing place where Indian and trader could come for mutual 
barter, and where he could exert a more potent influence over 
the tribes of the interior. 



22 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The Intrigues of Avaricious Traders and the unsettled 
policy of the home government caused him occasional jour- 
neys to his native land, with consequent loss of influence over 
his immediate command and over the Indians, whose homes 
were by distant lakes and streams. The former he governed 
Champ- by measures firm and decisive; the latter he 

Iain's Diffi- guided by acts of friendship and infinite pa- 
culties tience. 

By 1613, he had followed the course of the Ottawa far into 
the interior. Again in 161 5, following the trail of La Caron, 
a Recollet priest, by the Ottawa, the Mattawan, and the Lake 
Nipissing portage, he found his way to Georgian Bay and 
from Thunder Bay penetrated to the mission in the interior. 
He thus looked upon the watery waste of '*Mer Douce" of 
the French maps, the Lake Huron of our own. In the same 
year he accompanied a war party against the 

Iroquois of Western New York, thus learning of the 
passage to the upper country by means of the Trent and 
Lake Simcoe, discovering the great Lake Ontario. After 
having crossed to its southern shore, and giving battle with- 
out gaining the victory, he returned with his allies to spend 
the winter in their lodges. This was to be the last achieve- 
ment in exploration of this noted man. He returned to his 
companions at Quebec in the spring of 1616, after all be- 
lieved him dead. 

Thus five years before the Mayflower discharged her liv- 
ing freight upon the strand by Plymouth Rock, did this man 
send the gospel and the cross to the untutored savage of the 
interior and by personal visitation gain his loyalty and 
friendship. 

When Once Established the chances of success were 
with the Plymouth colony, for upon the day of their landing 
they were a self-reliant community. They were a community 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 23 

Comparison actuated by a high ideal, a community of famil- 
of French ies, of which Quebec after twelve years of exis- 
and English tence could boast but two and one of these was 
Colonies ^^le family of Governor Champlain himself, he 
having in that year brought over his beautiful wife, whom 
as a child he had married five years before. 

Into New France was now about to be introduced a new 
factor which not only aided in its further exploration but also 
retarded its development. At the founding of Quebec its re- 
ligious ministrations were in the hands of Recollet priests ; 
but the Huguenot and Catholic joined in its enterprises un- 
der complete tolerance. This was to be changed. 

Political Conditions in France had brought to the sur- 
face an ambitious statesman in the person of the great sol- 
dier, Cardinal Richelieu. Anxious to revivify the name and 
glory of Old France, he applied himself energetically to the 
problems of the western world. He created the office of 
Grand Master and Superintendent of Navigation and Com- 
merce, and himself filled this position. 

To end business and religious discords he organized the 
famous "Company of the Hundred Associates" whose two- 
fold, paramount aim was to be the traffic for furs and the 
Richelieu's conversion of the Indian by Jesuit priests and 
Plan teachers. It was under this company that the 

policy of feudal seigniory was established to place a fur- 
ther blighting influence upon the designs and aspirations 
of Champlain, who longed for colonists and was given 
priests and soldiers. 

His Later Years were busied with the cares of adminis- 
tration, but he delegated to others the explorations he would 
have gladly made himself. 

Thus we see Etienne Brule, his companion and interpreter, 
at the time of discovery of *'Mer Douce," the first to pene- 
trate beyond its waters, returning with a nugget of copper 



24 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

and with a description of the country, which warrant the as- 
Discoveries sumption that he was the first European to set 
of Nicollet foot on the soil of Michigan and that before 
1629. 

He was followed, in 1634, by Jean Nicollet, a trained 
woodsman, who after more than a year's absence returned, 
the discoverer of the strait of Mackinaw, Lake Michigan, 
Green Bay, and perhaps the Wisconsin river, on whose cur- 
rent as he was advised had he paddled three days longer 
he would have reached the sea, so near did he come to the 
discovery of the Mississippi, "The Great Water" that he 
believed was the sea. 

Champlain Lived Only to Hear the story of this hardy 
adventurer. He died on Christmas day, 1635. With his 
death New France lost the grandest character of its history. 
Death His memory is perpetuated not alone by the 

of Cham- great city that he founded, by molded bronze 
plain ^^^ carven 3tone, but by the memory that still 

lingers in the minds of men, as of a man of strong heart 
and ardent zeal, of just judgment and tender sympathy. 

re:vie:w. 

Who found the fisheries of New Foundland and Labrador? Locate on a 
map their homes in the old world. Locate on a map Cape Breton island. 
When, and by whom, was this island first discovered, as far as is known? 
Who was James Cartier? To what honor is Cartier entitled? Why? Locate 
on a map Cartier's home in France. Give an account of Cartier's voyage. 
_What ocean did he cross? What discoveries did he make? Describe his land- 
ing. When was the second voyage made by Cartier?. Describe it. What did 
he expect to discover? From what does the St. Lawrence, gulf and river, 
gain the name? What and where was Stadacone? How did Cartier gain 
the friendship of the Indians? Mention some later events which occurred in 
this vicinity. Where was Hochelaga? Describe its situation. Where did 
Cartier spend the winter? What attempt at colonization did Cartier make? 
Why did France neglect her new found possessions for so long after this? 
What finally directed her attention to_ the new world? Tell all you can of 
the life of Samuel de Champlain previous to 1603. Of what importance was 
the fur trade at this time? Who was De Monts? Tell of Champlain's explora- 
tions. Trace his course on a map. What colony did he establish? What 
Indian relations affected the colonists? What was the effect of using muskets 
against the Indians? Tell of Champlain's further services. Compare dates 
of establishment, chances of success, etc., of the Plymouth colony and Quebec. 
How did political conditions in France affect the colonists in New France? 
Read in your histories of the old world something more of Cardinal Richelieu. 
What was the object of the "Company of the Hundred Associates"? Who 
was probably the first European to reach Michigan ? Give reasons for the 
answer. Who was Jean Nicollet? Tell of the death of Champlain. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Jesuit Pathfinders. 

Richelieu Was Not Content with the regulation of the 
trade and commerce of New France. No sooner was this 
end attained than his powerful hand was felt in the do- 
main of liberty and conscience. Tolerance was to be sup- 
planted by intolerance. To those who might have gladly 
sought the inclement wild as an asylum from persecution, 
ReUgious and have carved fields and built homes within 
Intolerance its wilderness, the door was closed by the decree 
which said ''no Huguenot or other heretic" should be al- 
lowed upon its soil. 

Thenceforth trade and the evangelization of the Indian 
tribes were to go hand in hand. It was to the 

Jesuit Fathers, that the religious charge was delegated, 
and nowhere does history tell of a charge so given that 
was more zealously prosecuted or more valiantly defended. 

Into the history of early Michigan is woven the story of 
the piety and zeal of these disciples of Loyola, who, with 
love and patience, labored to illumine the night of heathen 
darkness by the light of a Christian faith, amid such trials 
of pain and suffering as will ever form one of the most 
tragic chapters in all history. 

As the Jesuits surveyed the near and distant fields which, 
from the mission at Quebec, seemed ready for the harvest, 
the field of greatest promise seemed to lie bordering the 
great fresh waters of the west. There beside the lakes and 
rivers whose waters reached the Georgian Bay, dwelt the 

26 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 27 

Huron nation, a populous community of fixed abode sub- 
sisting upon the products of a rude agriculture. 

It was there that, years before, La Caron had planted the 
cross, and thither the Jesuits longed to take their way. 
Father Sagard had arrived at the "Mer Douce" by the 
Great River of the Ottawas, in 1632, but such were the 
obstacles interposed that it was 1634 before Jean de Bre- 
beuf, Masse, and Charles Lalement reached the distant 
mission. 

Beside the Strand of Lake Huron, whose water still 
beckoned them westward, they reared their bark chapel, 
whose vesper bell gave notice of their holy purpose. Here, 
nine hundred miles from the humble hut of their superior, 
they told the mysteries of their faith in the Huron tongue 
and performed the offices of priest and teacher, ten years 
Missions ^"^ more before John Eliot, honored as ''The 
Among the Apostle to the Indians," had preached a sermon 
Huron to their kindred whose lodges could be seen 

Indians ^^^^^ ^^^ streets of Boston. 

To the Jesuits of New France the trials, hardships and 
the terrors of the Huron mission were an incentive rather 
than a hindrance. To be the instrument of the Holy Church 
in the salvation of the legions in darkness ; to prosecute 
their labors with loving patience toward those who ren- 
dered back the atrocities of barbaric cruelty, was to win the 
favor of the Prince of Peace and the rewards of heaven. 

Obstacles and suffering but kindled their undaunted 
enthusiasm, for self abasement was the service of the Master. 

Brebeuf and His Companions were soon followed by 
others willing to do battle for the faith. By 1642, there 
was scarce a village of the Huron or allied nations where 
the black robes of the Jesuit Fathers had not become a 
familiar sight. During the mission's life, twenty-nine mis- 
sionaries entered its field. 



28 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

If the fur trade and the evangelization of Indian tribes 

were to absorb the energies of French colonization in the 

early days, there were still a few men who would render 

„ , ^. alles:iance to neither priest nor trader. Such 
Exploration • . , 

men were Etienne Brule, Jean Nicollet, Jacques 

Hartel, Nicholas Marsolet, and perhaps others. Though 
zealous Catholics they were never long subject to the dis- 
cipline and restraints of the Catholic faith. 

They Left the Settlements and Missions to roam the 
forests with the Indian, to be partakers of his life and 
aspiration. Where their wild wanderings led them the past 
will never tell. Brule had voyaged beyond where the waters 
of the Superior and Lake Michigan mingle with the Huron, 
and Nicollet had gone beyond to the Indians of the western 
shores. Of the wanderings of the others no record now 
remains. That they brought to the distant missions stories 
of the vast countries westward, is to be presumed. 

Whether following the trail of some marauding voyageur 
or seeking to carry the seeds of the faith still westward, in 
September, 1641, 

Isaac Jogues and Charles Raymbault left their mission 
station on one of the inlets of Georgian Bay and coasting 
northward along its shore entered St. Mary's river. 

They pushed their frail canoe among its numerous islands 
whose forest covered sides and summits, resplendent in the 
blended tints of emerald and gold, were mirrored in the 
blue waters. Small wonder that these christian pioneers 
should have given voice to enraptured enthusiasm when 
Discovery ^^^t they viewed the wondrous natural beauty 
of which Diety has fashioned in the St. Mary. 

St. Mary's Today it is surpassed by no landscape of equal 
^"^®^ extent throughout the whole northwest. 

After a voyage of seventeen days they came into view of 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 29 

the crowning exhibit which nature had perfected in the 
course of the upper waters; the majestic river, flowing 
between banks of perennial verdure, its Hquid blue dashed to 
silver and flaked with foam in the falls and rapids of the 
Sault Ste. Marie. 

Here they were made welcome to the native hospitality 
of 2,000 of the Chippewa nation who had gathered to catch 
the "deer of the water" as they called the white fish with 
which the river and its upper waters abounded. To the awe 
struck natives Father Jogues and his companion exhibited 
the symbols and propounded the mysteries of their faith. 

The Indians Were Anxious that the missionaries should 
take up their abode with them, and told them of the Gitche 
Gomee (great water) and the country that lay beyond. Late 
in the autumn they retraced their way to their mission 
among the Hurons, intending to revisit the scene of their 
transient effort with the coming of another springtime. 

Fate had otherwise decreed. Raymbault was already 
stricken with a mortal disease incurred by his exposure and 
privations. The following year he was accompanied to 
Quebec by Father Jogues, and there died in October, 1642. 

After the death of his companion, Jogues, while ascending 
the St. Lawrence, was captured by a marauding band of 
the Mohawk tribe. His subsequent years of captivity, tor- 
ture, and suffering far from the scenes of Michigan mark 
him as one of the valiant characters of the great order 
which he served. 

Eighteen Years Passed before another European set his 
foot upon the soil of Michigan. The reason is to be found 
in the renewal of a conflict which, there is cause to believe, 
had been waged for centuries upon this continent. 

The Huron nation living in a fixed abode had developed 



30 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

some of the crude arts necessary for the support of life in a 
Indian fixed locaHty. If they were thus superior to 

"^ars surrounding tribes, they were hkewise inferior 

as warriors. This distinction belonged preeminently to their 
relatives of the great Iroquois confederacy who ranged the 
hills and lake sides from the Hudson to the Niagara. 

Thirty years had passed since Champlain brought con- 
sternation to a Mohawk band with the thunder of his "arque- 
buse." They had been years unmarked by general tribal 
warfare or retaliation. 

From the Dutch upon the Hudson the Mohawk had 
himself learned skill in the use of the death dealing weapon 
of civilization. Now when the Jesuits began to see promise 
of reward for years of suffering and privation, the horrors 
of an Indian war broke with all its fiendish barbarity and 
cruelty. With sudden onset the Iroquois swept the Huron 
country as with a scourge of blood and fire. Pestilence filled 
their homes with dead, and famine brought them to the 
chasm of despair. 

The Hurons Fought Bravely and at times administered 
disastrous defeat to their enemy, but all to no purpose. 
Year by year their ranks were depleted until at last, in 1650, 
the Huron mission was abandoned and the remnant of the 
Defeat nation divided, some seeking safety beneath the 

to the cannon of Quebec, while others sought an 

Hurons asylum on the islands of the great Lake Huron 

or became amalgamated with the tribes in the vicinity of the 
Sault Ste. Marie. 

All now was peace on the grand river of the Ottawas. 
It was the peace of the desert waste. The dusky denizens 
of its border lands w^ere gone ; but it was still a highway to 
reach those who dwelt beyond at the head of the great lakes 
and beside their rugged shores. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 31 

When a semblance of peace had been restored the canoes 
of the trader and the missionary were again upon its waters, 
but they were bearing men of a different mould. 

Following the loss of the Huron mission, if the mission- 
ary lost none of his religious fervor, he developed a greater 
love for secular knowledge, and for the next half century 
he was the explorer clad in cassock with crucifix and 
breviary by his side. Likewise the trader, as he sought for 
Coureurs peltry and gain, was zealous to extend the 
de bois limits and the glory of New France. In this 

project they were led by a few men of commanding figure 
and aided by an army of coiircnrs dc hois, who, impatient 
of restraints, deserted the habits of civilized men and be- 
came the oracles in Indian bands, forming alliances with 
their women and living for months and years a life of 
savage indifference and ease. Two adventurous traders, 

Radisson and Grosseilliers, were next to pass the straits 
of Mackinaw and reach the tribes that lay beyond. They 
made their journey in 1658, penetrating to the distant coun- 
try of the Sioux in western Wisconsin and eastern Minne- 
sota. They returned after an absence of two years with a 
cargo of furs of great value. 

What is of value to us is the fact that Radisson left the 
Discovery ^^^t written description of the Sioux and the 
of Regions country they inhabited. These men were not far 
West of distant from Lake Superior and no doubt knew 
Michigan ^£ -^g existence, but there is nothing to show 
they were first upon it. 

This honor was reserved for a pious priest named Rene 
Mesnard. Resolved to reach a remnant of the Huron na- 
tion that had wandered northward and westward from the 
fury of their Iroquois tormentors, and to learn more of the 
geography of the vast country of which the Indians brought 



g2 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

such strange reports, he set forth from Quebec on the 28th 
of August, 1660, on his long and perilous journey. 

He was an old man, but strong in his faith. When he 
left Quebec he took with him only the most meager neces- 
sities saying, "I trust in that Providence which feeds the 
little birds of the air, and clothes the wild flower of the 
desert." 

Father Mesnard Ascended the Ottawa and Georgian 
Bay and reached the Indian village at the Sault Ste. Marie. 
Here he tarried for a few days that nature might restore 
his wasting energies. This accomplished he pursued his 
lonely way and passing from the Ste. Marie river his frail 
Lake canoe shot out upon the broad expanse of the 

Superior Gitchi Gomee. Coasting its southern shore, by 
October 15th he reached Keweenaw Bay, to which he 
gave the name of St. Theresa. Here among the converts 
of the far-away Huron mission, he established the first mis- 
sion of the northwest. 

That he spent the winter here seems certain, but his sub- 
sequent journeys are lost to history. Even the manner of 
his death is unknown. That he died in solitude and alone 
upon the dreary shore of the great lake he had discovered 
with no requiem save the moaning of the solemn pines, is 
the conclusion of his biographers. 

We Are Now About to Meet with some great names in 
the history of New France whose careers became a part of 
the history of our own Michigan. Indeed, so illustrious are 
the names which appeared during the next fifty years that 
it is a period frequently referred to as *'The Heroic Period" 
of New France. 

Louis XIV. had succeeded to the throne of France, in 
1642, when a lad of but five years. He was still a young 
man when the Peace of Beda brought a temporary relief 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 33 

to his nation, in 1667, and gave him time and opportunity 
to devote his splendid talents to the glorification of his 
kingdom. His reign has, by reason of the brilliant men he 
drew about him, been aptly styled "The Golden Age of 
France." 

Great soldiers, sailors, and statesmen gave him of their 
wisdom, while great artists and men eminent in literature 
A New Era and science were his contemporaries. Canada 
in France felt the influence of his ambitious court. To 
New France he sent some of his ablest men, among whom 
were Courcelles, the governor, and Talon, the intendant. 

New France was no longer a mission and a fur trading 
station ; it had become a colony. In 1663 it had a popula- 
tion of 2,500 scattered among its isolated parts, one-third of 
whom were at Quebec. At about the same time 2,000 immi- 
grants and 1,200 veteran soldiers, having in their ranks the 
blood of the oldest houses of France and Italy, came to swell 
the population. In 1670 there were 6,000 inhabitants. 

A Feudal Land System was established, and to the 
officers and more influential citizens the government gave 
large tracts of land about the settlements but especially 
along the Sorel river. These grants were known as seignor- 
ies. The seignor in turn parceled his vast estate in smaller 
holdings to the private soldier and common people, who 
became known as habitans. The habitan was always liable to 
H h't ^^ called to the defense of the seignory and in 

addition rendered to his seignor, as over lord, 
a small annual rental and specified service. 

An examination of a map of such portions of the country 
as were early settled by the French, shows the land sub- 
divided into long narrow strips coming to the water's edge 
and extending a considerable distance inland. These were 
in many instances the holdings of the habitans. They had 
3 



34 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

a frontage of about forty-three rods and a depth of one and 
one-quarter miles. 

The People had no voice in their government. Trade 
was in the hands of a hard monopoly, and it was a matter 
of no surprise that habitans and heirs of the seignories 
broke from the restraints so unnaturally imposed, to lead 
4:he free life of the voyageur and coureur de bois. 

Although the greater part of the dispersed Huron nation 
dwelt beside the fortress of Quebec, still the Jesuit fathers 
did not forget the hunted fugitives who had fled to the 
bleak shores of the great northern water. 

Claude Allouez went thither in 1666 to take up the work 
of the departed Mesnard. His escort, by lakes and rivers, 
was five hundred Indians, who had come from the northern 
country for the annual barter at Quebec. They reached the 
Sault Ste. Marie early in September. Father Allouez pushed 
out upon the waters of the Gifche Gomee to which he gave 
the name of Lac Tracy, or Superior, in honor of M. de 
Tracy, viceroy of New France, under whose authority his 
mission was undertaken. 

Allouez' He proceeded to Chequamegon Bay and there 
Travels amid a numerous Indian population, he built 

his mission, which he named La Pointe d'Esprit. His ex- 
tensive travels north, south, and west impressed him with 
the magnitude of his work. He went to Quebec in the fall 
of 1667, with specimens of copper from the lake region and 
with stories of the great river ''Messepi" that he had heard 
of from the Sioux. His appeal for help was answered and 
in the following spring, 1668, 

James Marquette and Claude Dablon came to his as- 
sistance. The same year these two priests founded a per- 
manent mission at Sault Ste. Marie, thus laying the founda- 
tion of the oldest settlement within our borders. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 35 

Father Marquette was soon transferred to the mission at 
La Pointe — Allouez going to other fields — where he served 
from September, 1669, until 1671. In the latter year his 
Huron band fled before the onslaught of the atrocious Sioux. 
Marquette fled with them to gather them about him at a 
new mission on Moran Bay named in honor of St. Ignatius, 




although there is some authority for the claim that he 
made his first settlement on the island of Michilimackinac. 

The Authorities at Quebec were fully appreciative of 
the extent and import of the discoveries thus far made and, 
with prudent thought for the morrow, they early sent an 
embassy to take possession of the country. It was Simon 
Francois Daumont, Sieur de Saint Lusson, who bore the 
commission of Courcelles, the governor general, and M. 
Talon, the intendent. 

In October, 1670, with fifteen companions Daumont be- 



36 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

gan his journey. Wintering with friendly Indians on the 
Friendly bay, they reached Sault Ste. Marie early in the 
Relations month of May, 1671. By the 14th of June mes- 
"^it^ sengers had brought to the Sault a concourse 

Indiana ^£ Indians representing fourteen tribes drawn 

from the region of the great northwest. 

For the wilderness it was a vast and picturesque assem- 
blage in which the black robes of the priests from the mis- 
sions, the uniforms of delegates and soldiers lent variety 
to the barbaric finery which bedecked the throng of chiefs 
and warriors. 

The ceremony partook of all the formality of medieval 
days. Upon a rise of ground the Frenchmen caused a large 
cross to be erected and a post to which was attached the 
arms of France. The Vexilla and Bxaudiat were chanted 
by the Frenchmen to the infinite delight of the Indians. 

Prayers Were Offered for the sacred person of Louis 
XIV. Daumont de Saint Lusson with sword and clod of 
earth in hand three times proclaimed possession of the 
country, *'In the name of the most high, most powerful, and 
most redoubtable monarch, Louis XIV. of Name, most 
Christian King of France and Navarre." Three times the 
entire assemblage cried ''Vive Le Roy." The treaty was 
then drawn up, signed by the French, and assented to by 
the Indian ambassadors by gifts and belts of wampum. 

Thus by reason of the facilities of the lakes and rivers 
Extent of were the French enabled to reach the heart of 
French Ex- the continent, rear the emblem of their sover- 
plorations eignty, and forge bonds of friendship with the 
Indian tribes twelve years before William Penn held his 
famous treaty with the Indians within sight of the tide 
waters of the Atlantic. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 37 



REVIEW. 

What was the mission of the Jesuit Fathers? Review the life of Cardinal 
Richelieu. Name the most prominent priests and traders of this period, and 
tell something of what was accomplished by their zeal and wanderings. Locate 
St. Mary's river. Give an account of its discovery. Of what importance is 
the Sault Ste, Marie now? How were the missionaries welcomed by the 
natives? Compare the Hurons with the Indians of the Iroquois confederacy. 
How was the work of the Jesuits retarded? What became of the Indians? 
In what respect were the men who came after this Indian warfare different 
from their predecessors? Who were the coureur de boisf Who first reached 
the Sioux country? What was their purpose? Give an account of the pur- 
pose and journey of Rene Mesnard. Who were Courcelles and Talon and 
why were they sent to New France? What were the seignories? Who were 
habitans? What was the condition of government and trade? What was the 
effect? Who named Lake Superior? What had it been called? Tell of the 
efforts of Father Allouez. Give an account of the early missionary work of 
Marquette. Describe the ceremony of formally taking possession of this terri- 
tory previously explored. Compare this treaty with that subsequently made 
by William Penn. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Attempts at Colonization. 

Marquette Returned to His St. Ignace Mission, the 

formalities of seizin having been accompUshed. Little is 
known of his labors during his first year there. That he 
measured to the standard of his order and his faith is proven 
by his letter to Father Dablon. In this letter he recounts 
his trials and disappointments, and concludes with the state- 
Missionary ment that ''These are the consolations which 
Spirit God sends us, which make us esteem our life 

more happy as it is more wretched." 

In 1668 or 1669, Marquette and Allouez made a map of 
Lake Superior and the upper portions of Lake Huron and 
Michigan. It was published in 1672, the same year in which 
the iron willed 

Frontenac Had Proudly Stepped upon the strand at 
Quebec as governor of New France. Official Quebec was 
rife with scenes of empire, and Frontenac had no sooner 
arrived than M. Talon, the intendant. laid before him the 
plan for the exploration of the Mississippi, or the great 
river to the west, of which so many rumors had reached 
the capital. 

Louis Joliet, a man of learning and courage engaged in 

the fur trade, returning, in 1669, from the upper regions, 

had boldly held his course through Lake Huron, through 

the beautiful Detroit, coasted the northern shore 
DiscovGriGB 

of Lake Erie, and demonstrated that the waters 

of the upper lakes mingled with the floods of the St. Law- 
rence. 

It was natural that this man whose exploit was still fresh 

38 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 39 

in the mind of the intendant should be urged by him and 
commissioned by the governor to find and explore the 
western river. It was equally deserved that his companion 
and co-laborer should be the devout, map-making priest at 
St. Ignace. 

It was early in December, 1672, that Joliet arrived at the 
northern mission and apprised Marquette of his selection. 

The Good Priest Was Enraptured, as he tells us, not 
alone because it gave him the opportunity of consummating 
a long cherished design, but because it placed him in the 
happy necessity of exposing his life for the salvation of the 
nations which dwelt upon its shores. 

The winter of 1672-3 was spent in making preparations 
and gathering information from the Indians. It was on the 
The 17th of May, 1673, that the two explorers with 

Mississippi five French volunteers left the mission at 
River Michilimackinac. Their voyage was by Lake 

Michigan, Green Bay, and down the Fox river, thence by 
Portage to the Wisconsin, down whose broad current they 
sailed until the 17th of June, upon which day, with joy inex- 
pressible, they turned into the 

Mighty Father of Waters. They followed its course as 
far as the Arkansas. Returning, they entered the Illinois 
and pursued its course until, by the shortest portage, they 
were enabled to reach Lake Michigan, along whose western 
shore they coasted to separate at Green Bay. 

Joliet went to Quebec and broke the tidings of their great 
discovery, and Marquette to the mission of St. Francis 
Xavier to regain his wasting strength. Here he remained 
in feeble health until October, 1674, when with efifort he set 
his face southward to carry the gospel to the Illinois. 
Here he spent a dreary winter filled with forebodings and 
battling with disease. 



40 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



In the springtime he sought to return to his mission at 
MichiHmackinac and at the same time devote his wasting 
energies to further explorations. He coasted the eastern 
shore of Lake Michigan to where a "river entered the lake 
with an island at its mouth." Here his strength failing, he 
requested his attendants to carry him ashore. A little way 
Death of from the strand they constructed a rude altar 
Marquette and the good priest said the service of his 
church. This done, he requested that his companions should 
withdraw for a little time that he might spend it in prayer 
and meditation. After the lapse of half an hour, Pierre 

Porteret returned to 
find that, in the in- 
terval, the sweet 
spirit of the father 
had winged its way 
to realms of peace. 

Father Marquette 
died on the i8th day 
of May, 1675, in the 
thirty=eighth year of 
his age. The voy- 
ageurs scooped a 
shallow grave and 
there, beside the 
river that has since 
been given his name, 
they buried him 
with no other ser- 
vice than the doleful 
murmur of the 

STATUE OF MARQUETTE. WaVCS U p O n thc 

shore. Two years later, on the anniversary of his death, his 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 41 

Indian friends disinterred the body and, with a convoy of 
thirty canoes, bore it to the mission at St. Ignace, where on 
the 9th of June, 1677, it was buried in the chapel floor with 
solemn and impressive service. 

At St. Ignace a marble shaft now marks his grave, while 
upon the shore at the beautiful city at the north which bears 
his name, his form in sculptured bronze faces the mighty 
Lac Tracy, or Superior, whose shore he first charted and 
whose history will forever be invested with the charm of his 
gentle life. 

The Authorities of New France were fast coming to an 
understanding of the geographical features of the southward 
country. 

Champlain's explorations by way of the grand river of the 
Ottawas had given that direction to the efforts of his suc- 
cessors, and so it was that the first settlements of Michigan 
were upon its northern shores. 

Even before, while Joliet and Marquette were coasting 
the northern lakes, traversing the winding rivers and tire- 
some portages that took them to the Mississippi, the fame 
Robert of another explorer was rising in New France. 

Cavelier Robert Cavelier had come to Quebec in 1666, 

in the twenty-third year of his age. He is better known to 
history as 

LaSalle, from the name of his family estate near Rouen, 
France, the place of his birth. 

To the energy, wisdom, and sagacity of this young man 
both colony and crown were destined to owe a greater debt 
than to any other man within the province since Champlain. 
The first three years following his arrival were in part 
spent upon his seignory at Montreal. In 1669 his imagina- 
tion was fired by the mystery of the great country that lay 



42 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

to the south of the great lake region. He had spent his 
time in acquiring several Indian languages. 

He Resolved to Make the Forests, the lakes, and the 
rivers of the great section give up their secrets, and he 
resolved further to win them all for the glory of his king and 
country. 

His exploits are woven into the early history of Michigan, 
although his greatest achievements were in distant regions 
of the Ohio and the Mississippi valleys. Here La Salle 
laid the foundation of an empire in extent and richness sur- 
Empire passing the empire of the Caesars, and by his 

of La Salle perseverance, patriotism, and undaunted courage 
made for himself a name that appears upon the most thrill- 
ing pages of American history. 

Early in 1669, La Salle sold his estate to obtain means 
with which to prosecute his explorations. Joliet, returning 
from the upper lakes, by chance met him upon the Grand 
river between Lakes Erie and Ontario. With La Salle were 
two Sulpician priests, De Galinee, a student with knowl- 
edge of surveying and geography, and Francois DoUier, 
who before entering the priesthood had served with distinc- 
tion as a soldier under the renowned Torenne. 

They were seeking to carry the cross to the nations that 
should be found on the river which Indian rumor told them 
flowed southward, perhaps to the Gulf of California or of 
the Vermilion Sea, as it was then called. 

As the little company discussed the 

Geographical Probabilities of the country, Joliet con- 
tended that the route would be found through the northern 
lakes, while La Salle was equally insistent for the myster- 
ious Ohio of which the Senecas had given him vague 
information. 

The priests were converts to the arguments of Joliet and 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 43 

resolved to trust their fortunes to the Erie and northern 
waters. La Salle, true to the characteristics of his later 
years, kept to his convictions and went alone. 

The two Sulpicians wintered at Long Point and in the 
The Detroit early springtime paddled their frail canoe west- 
River ward on the bosom of Lake Erie. They ascended 
the Detroit and were the first to leave a record of its pas- 
sage, although it is more than probable that Joliet had 
passed it the fall before. 

At the Present Site of Our Metropolis the missionaries 
found a squalid Indian village called Teuscha Grondie. 
Their only labor here was the demolition of a crude Indian 
idol, whose broken fragments they cast into the river. 

They reached the Michilimackinac and Lake Superior 
missions and returned to Montreal by the Ottawa route. 
They made no discoveries, although Galinee's map is the 
first of. the great lake region. They coasted the eastern 
Early Maps shore of Lake Huron and so gained no knowl- 
of New edge of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Their 

France j^^p ignores the separate existence of Lake 

Michigan, and combines the two lakes as one body of water 
under the name of "Michigone au Mer Douce des Hurons." 

The next ten years in the life of La Salle were years in 
which he fought obstacles imposed by nature and by jeal- 
ous and designing men. Beginning his journeyings in the 
hope of finding the long sought passage to China, he found 
the Ohio and the Illinois. He had the reasonable conjecture, 
if not the positive knowledge, that these rivers reached the 
Mississippi.' He had seen the rich woodlands and undulat- 
ing plains to which these streams were tributary and 
relinquished the hope of a passage to India. 

His Active Mind Grasped the practical question of pos- 
sessing, and by a line of fortifications and settlements, of 



44 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



holding the country and commerce from the great lakes to 
the Gulf. He had the double purpose of seeking an easy 
entrance into the valley of the Mississippi through the 
First Vessel lower extremity of Lake Michigan, and at the 
on the same time furnishing finances for his project. 

Lakes jj^ began the construction of a vessel for the 

navigation of the great lakes. 

In the early days of January, 1679, his company of arti- 
sans and laborers began carrying materials over the twelve 
mile portage around Niagara Falls to the mouth of the 
Cayuga Creek, where he had obtained the consent of the 
Senecas to construct his vessel above the cataract. Through 




THE GRIFFIN. 



a winter of incredible hardships they labored, oppressed by 
savages and pinched with hunger. 

In the early spring his vessel was ready for launching. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 45 

On the auspicious day, to the booming of cannon, the Inton- 
ing of the Te Deum by priest and company, the stays were 
knocked away, and the Httle vessel of forty-five tons ghded 
Into the current of the Niagara. She was given the name of 

The Griffin, an Image of that fabled monster having been 
carved upon her prow "In honor of the armorial bearings of 
Frontenac," then governor of New France. 

The vessel was soon completed, but not until the 7th of 
August, 1678, was La Salle able to free himself from the 
machinations of the envious and the Incredulous and pursue 
his purpose. 

On this day, amid joyous and pompous acclaim, the Griffin 
cast off her moorings, spread her sails to the westward 
breeze, and became the first vessel to plaw the waters of the 
mighty lakes, the pioneer In a commerce vast and diversified. 

For three days they held their course to the westward, 
and on the fourth turned northward Into the beautiful 
Scenery of Detroit. Master and crew were warmed with 
Detroit and enthusiasm at the sight of nature's prodigality 
Vicinity displayed upon either bank. Father Hennepin, 
who acted as father confessor, priest, and historian of the 
enterprise, rounded up his glowing recitals of praise by 
recording that "Those who will one day have the happiness 
to possess this fertile and pleasant strait will be very much 
obliged to those who have shown them the way." 

They Rounded the Island, since given the name of Belle 
Isle, and entered the lake to which they gave the name of 
Salnte Claire, since corrupted to St. Clair. They braved the 
storms of Lake Huron and at last cast anchor in the shel- 
tered bay at St. Ignace, MIchillmacklnac. 

When the Griffin fired her cannon, Jesuit priests, hardy 
voyageurs, and gay coureurs de bols joined in a show of 
welcome which was as unreal in fact as it was profuse in 



46 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

its demonstration, for the suspicions, intrigues, and jealousies 
that had actuated priests and merchants at Quebec and 
Montreal had penetrated to far-distant Michilimackinac. 

Early in September La SaTle set sail for the region of the 
Green Bay. Here he took on board a cargo of furs, and on 
Fur the 1 8th of September, dispatched the Griffin 

Traders for Niagara with orders to return to the head 

of Lake Michigan when she had discharged her cargo. 
Simultaneous with her departure. La Salle, with fourteen 
men in four canoes deeply laden with implements, merchan- 
dise, and arms, resumed his voyage toward the country of 
the Illinois. The night following their departure a violent 
storm swept the lake, which detained them for five days 
upon the inhospitable shore. 

A weary and tempestuous voyage brought them, to the 
extremity of Lake Michigan, around which they circled, 
ascending the eastern shore to the mouth of the St. Joseph 
river, called by La Salle the Miami. Here he expected to 
meet his trusted lieutenant, Henri de Tonty, who, with a 
company of twenty men, was coasting the western shore of 
Michigan from Michilimackinac to the place of rendezvous. 
Neither Tonty nor his company were there. 

Winter was fast approaching and the men clamored to be 
led to winter quarters among the Indians of the Illinois. 
To quiet their dissensions he put them at work upon a 
small fort at the mouth of the river. After twenty days, 
when the fort was nearing completion, Tonty arrived with 
Exploring ^^^^ his command. Food having failed, the 
Lake remainder of his command had been forced to 

Michigan's gQ into camp and hunt for food. Later, fortu- 

°^®^ nately, they rejoined their companions. As 

sufficient time had now elapsed for the return of the Griffin, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 47 

for days they scanned the distant surface of the lake' for 
sight of her welcome sail. 

At last, yielding to the necessities of the advancing season, 
La Salle dispatched two men to Michilimackinac with 
instructions for the ship to proceed to the new fort upon the 
St. Joseph while he and the company ascended its current 
until they reached the place of portage to the Kankakee. 

La Salle then Passed to Other Scenes and fields of 
effort not connected with the history of Michigan. 

The Griffin, for which they had watched with anxious 
gaze, was never heard of more. Legena has placed the 
cause of her destruction at many doors. La Salle believed 
Fate of that he had found evidence that she had been 

the Griffin plundered and despoiled by her pilot and crew. 
Whether such was her fate, or what is more probable, that 
she was swallowed up by tlie fury of tHe autumn sea, will 
forever remain one of the mysteries. 

The early spring of 1680 found La Salle again at Fort 
Trip Across Miami of the St. Joseph, preparatory to his 
Southern journey across our state in quest of succor for 
Michigan j^jg garrison upon the Illinois. On this memor- 
able journey to far-away Montreal he followed the Huron 

for a distance, then left it to travel 
eastward and cross" the Detroit, and 
finally by forest paths, lakes, and 
rivers reached his destination. 
Three times later he touched at 
Michilimackinac as he passed and 
repassed from the St. Lawrence to 
the valley of the Mississippi, before 
the hand of the assassin closed his 
^ SALLE. wonderful career. 

The Exploits of La Salle are of interest to us, not alone 




4S HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

because they have connection with our immediate history, 
but because they were the first In a train of events that ex- 
tended the Hmits of New France from the great lakes south- 
ward to the Gulf. These events indirectly brought about 
the contest between the French and English in later years 
when the one sought to maintain, and the other to gain con- 
trol over, the extensive region. 

The work of LaSalle was supplemented by the labors of 
many men of enterprise and daring. 

The Monopoly of the Fur Trade, depriving as It did the 
colonists from participating In Its benefits, drove hundreds 
of the young men of the settlements into the forests to carry 
on in a contraband way the trade which, but for the ''Cariada 
Company," they would have done in a legal way. 

These men became the voyageurs and coureurs de bols, 
and so numerous did they become that it has been said that 
during the closing years of the seventeenth century ''every 
family in Canada had a member In the bush." These bush 
Bush rangers, always proud of French blood and 

Rangers language, soon became Indians in life and 

habits. They accompanied the Indians on the chase, they 
acquired his language, shared his hospitality, and became 
oracles in the councils of various nations. 

As a class, they labored for the extension of the power 
and authority of New France; not that they were amenable 
to its rule, but because they were the connecting link 
between the rule and the Indian tribes. 

Among their number were men of Intellect and training 
who could command the allegiance of bands of five and six 
hundred In number who were at once both companions and 
followers. Of such men was Daniel Du Lhut, whose mem- 
ory is preserved in the name of the city which stands at 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 49 

_ , , the head of Lake Superior. His career in bold, 

Duluth , . . 

picturesque, and romantic interest is unsur- 
passed by anything from the annals of the great lake 
country. 

A Half Century Before the English of Virginia looked 
westward from the crest of the Allegheny mountains, Du 
Lhut had erected a fort upon the northern shore of Lake 
Superior, and from exploration knew the ''thousand lakes" 
of northern Minnesota and the tributary streams. 

He was commandant of the post at Michilimackinac in 
1686, and there learned that the Dutch and English at 
Albany, guided by French deserters, were attempting to 
gain control of the trade from the rich beaver grounds of the 
southern peninsula. 

The French knew that, with free access through the 
country of the Iroquois, the Dutch and English trader at 
the eastern extremity of Lake Erie was but a few days pad- 
dling from the coveted preserve. Accordingly, in the year 
last mentioned, the authorities at Quebec authorized Du 
Lhut to close the entrance to the upper lakes. 

In obedience to such authority he at once repaired to the 
lower waters, and before the close of the year had erected 
and garrisoned Fort St. Joseph near the later site of Fort 
Gratiot. At about the same time a small fort, presumably 
Pounding little more than a block house, was erected at 
of Detroit the present site of Detroit. Whether it was 
ever more than the temporary abode of wandering coureurs 
de bois is not known. In the meantime La Salle's Fort St. 
Joseph had been burned, and a new fort of the same name 
erected at the mission among the Miamis, thirty miles inland, 
near the present site of the city of Niles. 
4 



50 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Michilimackinac was still the chief military and commer- 
cial center of the northwest. Baron La Hontan, who visited 
the place in 1688, tells us that it '*is certainly a place of 
great importance." It was still reached by the Ottawa and 
its numerous portages, and during the war between France 
and England the Iroquois again took the war path, lying 
in ambush along the St. Lawrence and the route to the 
upper country. 

It was from Michilimackinac that relief came in the per- 
Michili- son of Du Lhut and two hundred coureurs de 

Mackinac bois, who cleared the Ottawa of its lurking foes 
and conveyed to Montreal the three years' accumulation of 
peltry. 

In 1696 from this remote region came many a bush ranger 
to swell the army of Frontenac, which in that year invaded 
the land of the Iroquois and dealt such devastation and 
destruction. This army broke the spirit of the great con- 
federacy and brought quiet to New France as far as their 
forays were concerned. At this point in our history appears 
a new name, the name of a man whose achievements were 
to be of the greatest importance to the territorial limits of 
Michigan. That name is 

Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. He was born in 1660 at 
Gascony, France, of good parentage, and to an environment 
of culture and refinement, his father having been an advo- 
cate and a member of the parliament of Toulouse. The 

^ ^.„ son soon gave evidences of a brilliant mind and 

Cadillac . ^ , , ^ , . 

was given the advantages of an education, 

which for the time was denied to many of more favored 
station. He was a man of imperious temper, of cool cour- 
age, and quick resolve. 

Coming to Canada as a lieutenant in one of the regiments 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 51 

sent for the defense of the province, his abiHties soon won 
him higher commissions, and in 1694 he became the com- 
mandant at MichiHmackinac. Here he remained until 1698. 
During these years he studied the situation, and grasped 
more completely than any other Frenchman the possibilities 
of New France and the obstacles that stood in the way of 
their attainment. 

In 1695, Cadillac spoke of his post as being one of the 
largest villages in all Canada. He stated that it possessed 
a fort ''and sixty houses that form a street in a straight line, 
and a garrison of 200 soldiers, while the villages of the sav- 
ages, in which there are six or seven thousand souls, are 
about a pistol shot distant from ours." 

The post at MichiHmackinac was far from being a settle- 
ment or colony. It was little more than a depot where 
Coloniza- stores were housed, and where the missionaries, 
tion versus according to La Hontan, "lavished away all 
Conquest their divinity and patience, to no purpose, in 
and Indian converting ignorant infidels." Cadillac compre- 
hended that such conditions could never make 
for the glory of New France. He saw that if she raised a 
barrier against the English she must do it through self-reli- 
ant and self-supporting communities located at points of 
strategic importance, and not in the outlawry of her sons as 
voyageurs and coureurs de bois. 

Such a community he longed to plant, and he turned his 
eyes southward toward the beautiful Detroit river as the site 
best suited for the exploiting of his ambitions. The time 
was propitious for action, and burning with enthusiasm for 
the long contemplated project, he repaired, in 1699, to 
France to lay his plans before Count Pontchartrain, the 
colonial minister at Versailles. 



S2 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



REVIEiW. 

What explorations were planned in Quebec? Why? Who was Joliet? 
Who was his companion ? Tell what you can of their explorations. What is 
a portage? Describe the purpose and last days of Father Marquette. In what 
ways was La Salle especially fitted for the exploration of the great northwest? 
Did the geographical features of the country affect La Salle's journey? If so, 
how? Tell of La Salle's work and explorations. What of the fortunes of the 
Griffin? Who was Father Hennepin? State some of the difficulties encountered 
by La Salle. Locate Fort Miami. Why are La Salle's explorations of import- 
ance? In what condition was the fur trade at this time? Describe the voy- 
ageurs and coureur de bois and their power. How did the French seek to pre- 
vent encroachments by the Dutch and English ? Locate and state the import- 
ance of Michilimackinac. Who was Daniel Du Lhut? How and when was 
the power of the Iroquois confederacy broken? Sketch the life of Cadillac. 
What were his views regarding the future of New France? 



CHAPTER V. 

Thk Settlement of Detroit. 

The Records Indicate that Cadillac was given an atten- 
tive audience by Count Pontchartrain, and that his ardent 
nature kindled the enthusiasm of the calculating minister 
and secured his hearty co-operation for the projected settle- 
ment on the Detroit. The commission of his king authorized 
the establishment of the fort and confirmed his seignorial 
Real Com- rights to a tract fifteen acres square at such 
mencement place as the fort might be located. He lost no 
of Michigan time in repairing to Quebec, where he arrived 
History jy^^j.^j^ g^j^^ ^^^^ 

He left Troie Rivieres on the 5th of June for his desti- 
nation, not as we would expect by Lakes Ontario and Erie, 
but by the Ottawa river and Georgian bay. 

The Flotilla was an Imposing Array of twenty-five 
bark canoes, each with a capacity of four tons freight. 
They carried the commandant, Cadillac, and his thirteen- 
year-old son, a nephew. Surgeon Henri Belisle, Captain 
Alfonse de Tonty, Lieutenants Dugue and Chacornacle, 
Father De L'Halle, a Recollect, chaplain of the expedition, 
Father Vaillant, a Jesuit missionary, fifty soldiers, and fifty 
Canadian traders and artisans, with equipment necessary for 
the enterprise. 

For fifty-five days they toiled through lakes and rivers 
and carried their freight over portages. At last, on the 24th 
of July, 1 701, 

The Forest Crowned Shores of Le Detroit burst upon 

53 



54 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

their enraptured vision. On the rising ground at the nar- 
rowest part of the river they drew their canoes to the verdant 
banks. 

The company's first act was to kneel upon the sward while 
the priest offered a prayer of thanksgiving and invocation. 
If their first thoughts were of piety, their second were of 
industry, and before the days of early autumn a palisade 
frowned from what is now the vicinity of Jefferson avenue 
and Shelby street. It had been christened 

Fort Pontchartrain in honor of the colonial minister who 
had made its erection possible. The early successes of the 
project must have surpassed the fondest expectation of its 
founder. Inside of eight months the Indians had gathered 
Gathering from far and near, and upwards of 6,000 had 
of Indians taken up their habitation within sight of the 
bastions of the fort. In trade and importance it ranked 
with Quebec and Montreal, where civilization had struggled 
for nearly a century. Here were laid the foundations of 
Detroit, and with it begins the history of Michigan as an 
integral region. 

History Discloses that Cadillac's Work was consum- 
mated none too soon. The authorities at New York were 
already formulating covetous designs towards the western 
lake country. The same year that Cadillac went to France, 
1699, Robert Livingston laid before Lord Bellamont the 
project of taking possession of Detroit. His plan was to 
build a fort and form a settlement with two hundred chris- 
tians and an equal or greater number of Indians from the 
Five Nations. 

Plans of That the French succeeded was due only to 

the English the greater activity of their leader. Although 
the colony was on the high road to prosperity, it was as 
yet a colony without wives and mothers. With the convoy 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 55 

of the following spring, bringing merchandise and supplies 
by the way of the lower lakes, came Mesdames Cadillac and 
de Tonty and other women. 

The Indians Gave Evidence of their joy at this proof 
that the French intended to make homes among them. 
It may be important to remember that Madame Cadillac 
was the first white woman to step upon our shore, and that 
in 1704 was born Therese Tonty, our first child of European 
parentage. 

One purpose of Cadillac's project was to draw about him 
at Fort Pontchartrain the Indians of the great lake country. 
In this he was so successful that within four years, the mis- 
sion of St. Ignace was abandoned and the chapel burned. 

The Missions at the Sault and at St. Joseph were 
deserted, while Fort St. Joseph, the predecessor of Fort 
Gratiot, which Du Lhut had erected and which was aban- 
doned two years later, was likewise burned. The colony, 
however, was doomed to feel the blighting influence of 
restricted liberties, and the despotic regulation of its trade 
and commerce. 

Cadillac had been but a few months at Detroit when a 
powerful combination began intriguing to undo his efforts. 
He had incurred the displeasure of the Jesuits while com- 
mandant at Michilimackinac by selling brandy to the Indians, 
and in other ways showing himself out of harmony with 
their 'aims and aspirations. They looked with scant sympa- 
thy upon a project that was destined to depopulate the 
regions where they had labored for half a century. Having 
striven to bring the Indians to an u-nderstanding of the 
Opposition christian faith, they were not willing they 
of the should pass under the dominations of a man 

Jesuits lij^g Cadillac, who had never shown himself sub- 



56 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

servient to their will. Although they may have acted from 
some humane motives, they joined forces with a morepower= 
ful body actuated by mercenary motives alone. 

The Canada Company wished for no enterprise in New 
France that did not tend to the increase of its own dividends. 
To it an Indian was more profitable than a colonist. It 
reasoned that the way to limit the number of colonists was 
to take to itself the profits of the post. 

While Cadillac rested in the anticipation of a community 
Enemies to of French speaking people who would make 
the Colony homes from the forests and build a society 
strong in its own self-reliance, his enemies plotted his 
undoing. 

In the spring of 1702, he received word that the trade of 
his post had been given into the control of the Canada 
Company. This made him but a figurehead in the project 
his energy and sacrifice had created. The English, stung 
by the failure of their plans, instigated a series of Indian 
atrocities which taxed the diplomacy of Cadillac to control. 

Expensive Litigation in which the Canada Company 
was the real, if not the nominal, party was carried on. For 
long spaces of time Cadillac was kept at Quebec while 
trials and appeals were taken. It was late in 1705 before his 
rights were vindicated, and he was privileged to return 
to labor for the re-habitation of his colony. 

He seemed now on the threshold of achieving his second 
project, that of drawing about him a French population. 
To encourage immigration and create a stable settlement, 
one of his first acts in 1707 was the granting of lands to the 
inhabitants. These grants deserve mention as being the first 
real estate holdings within the limits of our state. 

Before the expiration of 1710, sixty-eight grants had 
been made of lands within the village, and thirty-one farms 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 57 

Condition and thirteen garden plots had hkewise been 
of the granted of lands up the river. Upon his 

Colony return to the colony he brought substantial 

encouragement in the form of two canoe loads (eight tons) 
of French wheat and other seeds, horses and cattle, and 
the machinery for the manor mill. The colony was without 
taxes as we know them. The habitans held their lands by 
tenure which required them to conform to certain conditions 
and to perform certain services, which answered the same 
purpose. 

Of courts and government, as we understand the terms, 
there were none, nor were there ever any during the French 
occupation of Michigan. The later years of Cadillac's con- 
trol were years in which he exercised the powers of the 
Cadillac's highest feudal lordship of France. As Cad-il- 
Authority lac himself once stated, his powers were to 
punish according to circumstances, by censures, by repri- 
mands, by arrests, by imprisonment, or by deprivation of 
civil rights, and in case of distinct disobedience, to run his 
sword through any one who offended. The rule, though 
strictly military, seems seldom, if ever, to have been harshly 
administered. 

As Cadillac Approached the Close of the first ten 
years of his colonial enterprise with a prosperous commun- 
ity about him, he doubtless entertained a high hope for the 
full fruition of his dreams. But they were dreams which he 
was never to realize in fulfillment. Before the close of the 
year 1710, orders came transferring him to the governor- 
ship of Louisiana. 

The appointment was presumably a promotion, but it 
Cadillac's was brought about by those who could better 
Transfer to serve their selfish ends by his removal. He left 
Louisiana [^ ^\^q same vear for his distant mission, des- 



58 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

lined never to see again the colony for which he had sacri- 
ficed the best years of his Hfe, but which the coming cen- 
turies would mould into the beautiful ''City of the Straits," 
his most enduring monument. 

Upon the departure of Cadillac, the Sieur Dubuisson 
was given temporary command, awaiting the arrival of the 
Commandant De La Foret, a former lieutenant of La Salle. 

In 1 71 2, while Dubuisson was still in command, a band of 
from 800 to 1,000 Fox warriors, instigated by English emis- 
Attack of saries, made a descent upon the fort with its 
Fox Indians weakened garrison and Huron allies. The siege 
continued for more than forty days, and eventually resulted 
in the almost total extermination of the attacking force. 

Since the Removal of its garrison, Michilimackinac had 
become the rendezvous of the coureurs de bois and a lower 
element. To check the excesses of this element and to 
counterbalance the trade influence of the English at Hudson 
bay, a garrison was returned to the post in 171 4, although 
the fort was removed from its, ancient site at St. Ignace to 
the south side of the strait, near the present site of Mac- 
kinaw City. 

Life at the Fort St. Joseph was likewise regarrisoned. 

Old Forts The subsequent years of French control brought 
little change in its affairs. There are long stretches of time 
in which the contentment and prosperity of the people can 
only be presumed by their silence. 

We get occasional glimpses of life at the forts of Michi- 
gan. 

Charlevoix Was at Detroit and Michilimackinac in 1721. 
In 1730 the elder Robert Navarre came to Detroit as Royal 
Notary to discharge certain limited judicial and ministerial 
functions. His oflice was a common one among French 
speaking people, and is important only as being the first 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 59 

instance of the exercise of civic jurisdiction within our 
borders. 

In 1 741, Marquis de Beauharnais met with the Indians 
Settlements at MichiHniackinac and induced them to make 
on "Western settlements upon the western shore, Muskegon 
Shore ^nd L'Arbre Croche (Harbor Springs) being 

among the number. In 1751, the fortunes of the Sault Ste. 
Marie were revived in the settlement of the Chevalier de 
Repentgny, consisting of a stockade fort and four houses. 

Such Was Michigan when the first century of French 
control was drawing to its close. One village of fixed 
abode, three or four military posts with feeble garrisons, 
with an interior untrodden, vast, and Vv^ild. A few men 
like La Salle and Cadillac had sought to point the way to 
permanent occupation, but their counsels were unheeded 
and the advantage of their labors unsupported. 

The English had now found the passes through the ''End- 
less Mountains," as they early styled the Alleghanies, and 
had caught glimpses of the rich valleys and rolling plains 
that lay beyond. At Forts Niagara, Le Boeuf, Venango, and 
Conflict Duquesne, they came in touch with the French, 

Between who sought to guard their treasures, and the 
the French contest for supremacy began. It was an 
and English ^'inevitable conflict ;" a war to decide the sover- 
eignty and mastery of the new world. 

As early as 1752, the French and Indians from the settle- 
ments of Michigan made an excursion as far south as Piqua, 
Ohio, to kill or capture a few adventurous English traders, 
and to scatter with fire and carnage the Indian band that 
had declared in their favor. 

The French and Indian War began in 1754 along the 
outposts of the Alleghanies. Two years later it drew into, 
war's frightful vortex nearly every nation of Europe, and 



60 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

for seven long years filled their lands with blood and lamen- 
tation. 

When Contrecoeur sought aid for the defense of Fort 
Duquesne from Braddock's attack in 1755, succor came 
Michigan in from far away Michigan. Charles Langlade 
the French of Michilimackinac, at the head of a numer- 
and Indian qus body of Indians, traders, and coureurs 

*' de bois, was there to help in the annihila- 

tion of Braddock and his army. Their plunder was brought 
to Detroit, and it is said that many of the early horses of 
Michigan were offspring of those brought back from the 
scenes of Braddock's ambuscade. 

In 1755, when the English enforced the cruel decree 
which tore the Acadians from their homes, many found 
refuge among their kinsfolk at Detroit. Thus the people of 
Michigan have more than a passing interest in Longfellow's 
beautiful story of Evangeline. 

Many French from Detroit, Michilimackinac, and the 
settlements of Illinois were likewise present at the battle 
of Fort Niagara. The campaigns of the French and Indian 
war were, in greater part, contested far to the eastward and 
only occasional rumors penetrated to our shores. 

The Fate of Michigan was decided upon the Plains of 
Abraham on the memorable i8th of September, 1760. On 
the 8th of September Montreal had surrendered to General 
Amherst, and with it all of the upper posts. It was not un- 
til the 28th of November following that the commandant at 
Detroit, M. de Bellestre, was apprised of the surrender, 
and then by Major Robert Rogers, at the head of his Eng- 
Michigan ^^^h and American command. With instruc- 
Passes from tions from his superior at Montreal, Captain 
French Bellestre turned over Fort Pontchartrain. The 

Control j.g^ cross of St. George was flung to the breeze 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 61 

where for sixty years the fleur-de-lis had been the emblem 
of authority. The following autumn English forces were 
sent to take possession of the posts at St. Mary's, Michili- 
mackinac, and St. Joseph, and Michigan passed forever 
from under the control of the power of France. 

revie;w. 

What grants were included in Cadillac's commission? Who were his com- 
panions on his voyage? Ijescribe their journey. What was their destination? 
Tell of the growth of Fort Pontchartrain and of its importance as a trading 
post. Why was it so called? When did the history of Michigan as an inte- 
gral region begin? What other settlements were designed by another nation? 
Why did the French succeed? Who was the first white woman to come to 
Michigan? Who was the first child of European parentage born in our state? 
How did the establishment of Fort Pontchartrain affect the other trading posts 
and missions? Where were they located? In what ways did Cadillac incur 
the dislike of the Jesuits? Give an account of the purpose of the Canada 
Company and of its trouble with Cadillac. When and where were the first 
real estate holdings in Michigan? What was Cadillac's plan for his colony 
and what things did he do for its welfare? How was it governed? Why were 
his dreams never realized? Who succeeded Cadillac at Fort Pontchartrain? 
Which abandoned forts were regarrisoned and why? What settlements and 
explorations were made between 1720 and i7Si» and by whom? Explain why 
there had to be a contest for supremacy between the French and English. 
Describe the French and Indian War in Europe. What was it called there? 
How did Michigan aid in this struggle? Why should the people of Michigan 
have a lively interest in "Evangeline"? How may it be said that the fate of 
Michigan was decided upon the plains of Abraham? Describe the possession 
of Michigan by the English. 



CHAPTER VI. 
English Occupation. 

Although by Force of Arms Canada had passed under 
British control and the soldiers of King George garrisoned 
the posts of her frontier, the treaty of Paris, by which the 
war was terminated, was not signed until February lo, 
1763. In the meantime the country was under martial law, 
a system that has never brought prosperity to a country nor 
The Colo- contentment to its people, even when its ad- 
nies Under ministration has been entrusted to men of 
Martial humane temperament, influenced by wise coun- 

'^ sel. These two elements were frequently lack- 

ing in the men who, during the following years, had charge 
in these distant regions. 

On the 17th of November, 1760, as Major Rogers was 
skirting the shores of Lake Erie on his way to take posses- 
sion of Detroit, he was met by an Indian deputation who 
requested him to halt his command until his purposes could 
be made known to their chief. The following day the chief 
with his attendants appeared. His first salutation to Rogers 
was an inquiry as to how he dared to enter his country 
without his permission. 

Indians Not By plausible speech Major Rogers quieted his 
Friendly to savage fears and was allowed to proceed. The 
the English Indians furnished him an escort to Detroit and 
provisions for his men. This was the first meeting "between 
the English and the great Pontiac, whose name is per- 
petuated in one of the thriving cities of our state. 

Pontiac Was the Head Chief of the Ottawas and their 
confederacy of kindred tribes. He was a man of power 

62 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. (J3 

and influence among the most distant of the Algonquin 
nations. At this time Pontiac was about fifty years of age, 
having his home upon the island of La Peche at the head 
of Lake St. Clair. 

His years had been spent in amicable and friendly rela- 
tions with the French, and Pontiac had given them proof 
of his fidelity on one occasion by restraining Indian design- 
ers upon the French at Detroit, and by fighting with them 
at Braddock's defeat. They had reciprocated his loyalty by 
I many flatteries and substantial favors. 

Pontiac was heir to all the grossness of his savage race. 
From the common savage bedaubed with soot and vermil- 
ion, he differed only in the strength and penetration of his 
mind. So great was this difference, however, that he was 
able to organize one of the most 

Extensive and Audacious Combinations of Indians 
ever attempted upon the American continent. His great 
achievements in the conception, maturity, and execution of 
this plan distinguished him as one of the greatest of his 
race. 

In December, Major Rogers retraced his steps eastward, 
Maior leaving Captain Donald Campbell as the first 

Rogers commandant. This position he retained until 

succeeded superseded by Major Gladwin in 1763. In the 
by Major \^^q summer of 1761, three hundred troops 
^^" were dispatched to garrison the posts at St. 
Mary's, Green Bay, St. Joseph, and Michilimackinac, and 
they were likewise energetic in restoring the forts at Le 
Boeuf, Venango, and Presque Isle and in establishing new 
ones at Sandusky, Miami (Fort Wayne) and Ouatanon. 
The latter was a post upon the Wabash a considerable dis- 
tance above Vincennes. Following the English soldiers 
came 



64 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Dutch and English Traders from Albany. Some of 
them were men of low character and soon gave a name of 
reproach to their more worthy associates. The Frenchman, 
whether civilian or official, had ever extended to the Indian 
the courtesies due his equal. In large measure they had 
studied to conform to his standard and ideals. The Dutch 
and English, long debarred from the field, frequently over- 
stepped the limits of fair trade and met the complaints of 
the Indians with scorn and contempt. This wounded their 
pride and aroused their never dormant passions of retalia- 
tion and revenge. 

For long years the French, as a part of their policy, had 

Bestowed Presents Liberally upon their Indian allies, 
and in so doing had followed a custom already established 
between the various friendly tribes. Their years of contact 
with civilization had modified their modes of life and made 
them dependent in some degree upon the arts and imple- 
ments of civilized life to minister to their comfort. Their 
wants were both created and sustained by the annual liber- 
ality of the French. 

In the closing years of the war, when wisdom should have 
dictated to the English a policy of liberality and conciliation, 
the opposite policy prevailed. 

The Spirit of Retrenchment greatly lessened where it 
did not wholly stop the annual largess. Such action aroused 
the spirit of resentment. 

The Indian had come to look upon the white man's bounty 
not as charity, but as his due in the satisfaction of their 
trade and diplomatic relations. Again, the long delayed 
Causes of peace between France and England kept alive 
Pontiac's in the Canadian French the hope that the 
"^^^ mother country would yet repossess herself of 

the lands so recently surrendered. Many causes conspired 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 65 

to create and keep alive a spirit of unrest among the Indian 
tribes. 

These causes created the fuel, so to speak, which required 
but the spark of the master mind of a Pontiac to kindle 
into flames of border warfare. 

Pontiac saw more than the petty ills that were ferment- 
ing discontent. His great mind saw the significance of 

English Advances and Successes. He comprehended 
that for half a century the mutual jealousies of French and 
English had been to the interest of his people, for both had 
sought their trade and influence. He equally comprehended 
that, with the French power broken, the English would 
sweep westward through the valley of the Ohio and beside 
the northern lakes, no longer actuated by a selfish motive 
to conciliate the Indian or protect his interests, and that, in 
the end, the Indian would be driven from the land of his 
fathers. 

For many months Pontiac revolved the great question 
in his mind. His perfected plan was not the result of a 
frenzied impulse. It was the result of a deliberate con- 
sideration of the^ highest impulses that his savage nature 
knew, in which revenge, patriotism, and ambition with equal 
powers controlled. 

The Hopes and Expressions of the French gave 
encouragement to his cunning, and he at last resolved upon 
a war for the restoration of the power of France in the new 
world. 

Pie perfected his plans in the early winter of 1762 and 
his ambassadors went forth to the nations of the northern 
lakes, upon the Ottawa, the Ohio, and the Mississippi bear- 
Pontiac's ing the tokens of war. In hunting camps and 
Plans populous villages with impassioned oratory, 

they delivered the message of Pontiac to auditors made 
willing by wrongs both real and fancied. 



66 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The plan was to fall upon the exposed forts simultan- 
eously at a time in the coming May to be fixed by the 
changes of the moon, to exterminate their garrison and 
English traders, and then to turn their united forces against 
the English frontier now weakened and unprotected. 

Late in April, the swift messengers of Pontiac had sum- 
moned the representatives of the tribes to a final council 
on the banks of the little river Ecorse near Detroit. Here 
their final messages were exchanged and the next day the 
forest had swallowed up the savage throng. They reap- 
peared a few days later as though returning from the win- 
ter's hunt about the forts of the northwest. 

Into His Confederacy he drew well nigh all of the Al- 
gonquin stock, together with the Wyandottes, the Senecas, 
and several tribes of the lower Mississippi. Of all the posts 
of the western country, Detroit was considered the most 
important and its capture and reduction was reserved by 
Pontiac for himself. 

Major Gladwin with a garrison of 128 men was in com- 
mand of the fort and was seemingly unconscious of the 
murderous designs of his Indian neighbors. From some 
source he received intelligence in time to prepare for the 
threatened onset. The source of this information is not 
definitely known. 

Pontiac Designed to gain entrance to the fort for the 
purpose of holding a council. The band of warriors that 
were to accompany him were at a given signal to fall upon 
the unsuspecting garrison and win an easy victory. 

To be prepared for this emergency the Indians had short- 
ened their rifle barrels by filing off the ends, so that they 
could be concealed beneath the blankets which they wore. 
It has been said that Major Gladwin received information 
that the Indians were borrowing files and were shortening 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 67 

Plans of their rifles, and was thereby placed upon his 

the Indians guard. There is another charming story, old, 
Exposed |3^|- lacking in definite authority, that an Ojibwa 
maid carried the details of Pontiac's plan to Gladwin, for 
whom she had formed a friendly attachment. Whatever may 
have been the source of information, it was duly heeded, and 
when, on the morning of May 7th, Pontiac and his swarthy 
confederates entered the fort to take part in the proposed 
council, they were surprised and startled to find not only 
the garrison, but citizens and traders, under arms. 

It is Supposed that Pontiac's distrust was not removed 
by Gladwin's explanation that the men were under arms 
for discipline and exercise. His stoical bearing did not 
desert him, and without betraying his chagrin he made his 
speech of friendly protestations, but withheld the signal 
which was to have precipitated the attack. Major Gladwin 
replied in a speech likewise devoid of expressed suspicions. 
A few presents were distributed and the Indians withdrew 
to their encampment. 

On the day following Pontiac, with three of his chiefs, 
again visited the fort and sought through the proffered 
pipe of peace to lure the English into a sense of security. 
As a further pretense the Indians spent the afternoon in 
a boisterous and hard contested game of ball upon the 
adjacent field. 

The Celebration of the Victors lasted until late at night. 
On the following day, Sunday, the 9th day of May, the 
vicinity of the fort was again thronged with an Indian con- 
course, seemingly animated by no purpose or design. 
Pontiac advanced to the gate of the palisade and finding it 
closed, demanded admittance for himself and braves that 
he and his chiefs might smoke the pipe of peace with his 
English brothers, and that his warriors might smell its 
fragrance. 



68 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Major Gladwin Answered that he might enter but that 
the crowd must be content to remain outside. Pontiac then 
knew that the commandant had penetrated his designs and 
that nothing more was to be accomphshed through pretense 
and treachery. He returned to his warriors and in baffled 
rage told them the futiHty of his plans. 

In a moment with the cry of wild beasts they sought the 
homes of the few English that dwelt outside the fort, toma- 
hawked the inmates and bore away their scalps. 

In This Savagery Pontiac took no part, but paddled his 
canoe to his village on the opposite shore. By the morning 
of May loth his village had been removed to the Detroit 
shore, and he began one of the most remarkable sieges 
known to Indian warfare. Through weary weeks the flash 
of the rifles gave no respite to the garrison, who in relays 
slept upon their arms. The palisade would have gone down 
in a moment before the assault of civilized foe ; but 
open assault was not a part of Indian warfare, and be- 
sides, two small vessels lay at anchor in the river and with 
cannon made the easterly and westerly approaches to the 
fort places of hazardous exposure. Early in the siege, at 
the request of Pontiac, 

Lieutenant McDougall and Major Campbell went to 
him as envoys to negotiate a peace. Both were treacherously 
detained. McDougall made good his escape. Campbell 
was too old to follow and remained to meet a terrible death 
at the hands of his captors. 

Some authorities say that Pontiac was privy to the out- 
rage, but others equally credible declare him to have been 
without blame and say that Wasson, a chief of the Ojibwas, 
who was the perpetrator of the foul act, fled to Saginaw 
to escape the fury of the great chief upon his discovery of 
the barbarous deed. 

Gloom Settled heavily upon the feeble garrison as they 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 69 

learned the sad fate of the garrisons of the neighboring 
posts, all of which had fallen into the hands of savage cap- 
tors. From Fort Niagara the English attempted to send a 
Fate of relief force to Detroit, but at the mouth of the 

the Other river the expedition was surprised by a band 
Garrison Qf Wyandottes, and a large part led captive 
to the village above the fort, where day by day their suffer- 
ings were the delight of their tormentors. 

When no longer responsive to fiendish cruelty, a blow of 
the tomahawk or war club brought welcome death, and 
their naked bodies were flung into the river to float past in 
view of their imprisoned countrymen, who lived in almost 
daily anticipation of a similar fate. 

The Second Relief Expedition succeeded to a better 
fate, and on July 29th, Captain Dalzell, with a force of 280 
men with arms, ammunition, and supplies, under cover of a 
heavy fog, made the Detroit palisade and brought joy to the 
long beleagured garrison. Captain Dalzell evidently de- 
sired to signalize his arrival by some exploit of dashing 
character. He conceived the idea of making a night attack 
upon Pontiac's camp, hoping to win an easy victory. 

Gladwin Opposed His Plan, and only gave a reluctant 
consent when Dalzell pressed his scheme. At about two 
o'clock on the morning of July 31st, Dalzell, with 250 men, 
marched quietly out of the fortress gate, their intended 
destination being Pontiac's village some nine miles dis- 
tant. 

Unfortunately two Canadians had overheard the plans the 
Battle of day before. When the silent, moving column 
Bloody Run ^r^s crossing the bridge over Parent '^ creek 
where it entered the Detroit river, through a deep defile 
from the front and side came the deafening yell of 300 
savages, accompanied by the flash of their rifles. 

Into the Inky Darkness, over an unknown road, the 



70 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

brave men charged, to recoil before the volleys of the 
unseen foe. By eight o'clock, battle stained and weary, they 
gained the kindly shelter of the palisade, having left forty- 
nine of their comrades, of whom the brave Dalzell was one, 
among the dead, while the loss to the Indians was slight. 
The battle and locality was thereafter known as "Bloody 
Bridge" or ''Bloody Run." 

The site is now marked by a beautifully designed and 
inscribed tablet in bronze, erected by the present owners of 
the premises. The Michigan Stove Company. 

This Success of the Indians was the cause of renewed 
enthusiasm, and the runners bearing the news to distant 
regions brought fresh levies of dark-skinned warriors. For 
a time the siege was prosecuted with a renewed vigor, but 
there were now 300 soldiers and ample supplies within the 
fort, and they could look forward with confidence to main- 
taining their position. 

While Detroit had held out against every contrivance 
of savage ingenuity, less fortunate was the fate of the gar- 
risons at other points. 

At Fort St. Joseph, Ensign Schlosser was in command 
of a force of fourteen men when, on the 25th of May, a 
large party of Pottawattamies arrived from Detroit, pro- 
fessing to come on a visit to their relatives at St. Joseph. 
The chief with a few followers came to the fort to hold a 
friendly ''talk" with the unsuspecting ensign. 

Although his apprehension was soon aroused, before he 
could make any effectual provisions for the safety of his 
Massacre command, eleven had fallen victims of the 
at Fort tomahawk and scalping knife, and Schlosser 

St Joseph ^^^ three privates were prisoners bound with 
tight drawn thongs. 

Fate was kinder to them than to their comrades, for on 
the 15th of June, they were exchanged at Detroit for some 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 71 

members of the Pottawattamies who, for some time, had 
been prisoners within the fort. 

At Michilimackinac the sequel culminated in an appal- 
ling tragedy, but with dramatic incidents of unusual 
interest. Captain George Etherington was in command of 
the post with a garrison of thirty men. 

On June 4th, the Indians made preparation for a great 
game of baggattaway or Indian ball. It was a game for a 
large wager, and for several hours was fast and furious 
as the players sought to pass the ball beyond opposing 
goals. 

Many of the Squaws had passed within the fort, where 
they seemed to be but gratifying their childlike curiosity. 
Outside, as the game progressed, seemingly as by a ran- 
dom throw, the ball struck near the open gateway of the 
fort, before which stood the commandant and lieutenant. 
Strategy ^ number of Indians made a rush for the ball 
and Mas- and gained the rear of the commandant and 
sacre at his companion, whom they seized, while the 

Michili- greater portion rushed within the fort and were 

mackinac j^^nded tomahawks from under the blankets of 
the waiting squaws. 

In a few minutes half the garrison had been massacred, 
and later a large number of the prisoners suffered a similar 
fate. The dramatic recital of the trader, Alexander Henry, 
who escaped the massacre, but witnessed its horrors from 
concealment, forms one of the most interesting chapters in 
the history of old Michilimackinac. 

With the approaching autumn the necessity for provi- 
sions compelled the Indians to raise the siege about Detroit 
and to go upon the annual hunt. 

Pontiac Had Sought Assistance from the French. In 
this he failed and no doubt foresaw the failure of his plans, 



72 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

but it in no manner daunted his purpose. He resumed hos- 
tilities about Detroit the following spring, and while it was 
with less activity, it was in a manner quite as effective. 
The end was approaching. Messengers had reached many of 
the distant tribes, and the prospect of presents and rewards 
lured many of their chiefs to a great council at Niagara, 
Treaty of where, through the diplomacy of Sir William 
Peace with Johnson, they made treaties with the English. 
Sir "William The treaties may have been forwarded not a 
Johnson j.^^jg ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ General Bradstreet was 

then on his way to Detroit with 3,000 men, where he 
arrived the latter part of August and relieved the long 
beleagured garrison. 

Pontiac had withdrawn to the banks of the Maumee and 
resisted all pacific advances, but many of his followers 
were so impoverished by the long struggle that they gladly 
entered into treaties with General Bradstreet. 

By these treaties it is claimed that without their knowl- 
edge, they acknowledged the sovereignty of the King of 
England, and granted all the lands adjacent to the river 
from Detroit to Lake St. Clair. Troops were dispatched to 
Michilimackinac, which had remained ungarrisoned since 
the massacre of the previous year, and tranquility was 
again established. 

Pontiac Never Again took up his old residence near 
Detroit. For a time he sought to incite the western tribes 
to strike once again for their independence, but his efforts 
were without avail. On the 27th of August, 1765, he met 
General Croghan, the representative of Sir William John- 
son, at Detroit and smoked the pipe of peace. He requested 
that the pipe be delivered to Sir William "that he may 
know I have made my peace and taken the King of Eng- 
land for my father." 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 73 

The next July he met Sir WilHam in person at Oswego 
Death of and made renewal of his peaceful profession. 
Pontiac No doubt with a sad heart, and mindful of his 

fruitless struggle, when he said, "He who made the uni- 
verse would have it so." A year later he was assassinated 
at Cahokia, 111., by a Kaskaskian Indian. This crime was 
instigated by an English trader by the gift of a barrel of 
rum. 

Pontiac's War was the most powerful and far reaching 
combination of Indians ever effected for the independence 
and preservation of their race. As many as 2,000 whites 
are said to have fallen victims to savage fury upon the un- 
protected frontier. Historians have given the uprising the 
name it will probably always retain, that of Pontiac's Con- 
Character spiracy. While memory of the terrible time 
of Pontiac remained, its originator, Pontiac, was pictured 
as a veritable devil, — a treacherous fiend. If we view his 
life from the standpoint of barbaric ethics, and apply to his 
methods the standards of savage warfare, he towers a 
majestic figure, as worthy of generous commendation as 
those who have written their names high in the annals of 
war. 

REVIEW. 

What is meant by the term "martial law"? When was the treaty of Paris 
signed? Read in other histories how it affected the rest of the United States. 
Who was Major Rogers? Describe his first meeting with Pontiac. What were 
the apparent relations between the Indians and whites? What forts were 
regarrisoned and established? Locate on the map. Compare the English and 
Dutch traders and their methods with the French and theirs. How did 
Pontiac view these new influences? What was the result? Give an account 
of Pontiac's conspiracy. What part did he reserve for himself? Describe 
his efforts and the results. Who were McDougall and Campbell? What relief 
was planned for the Detroit garrison? Tell of the outcome. How did a 
second effort to relieve succeed? How did Capt. Dalzell purpose to end the 
siege? Tell of his expedition and its result. How did the other forts fare? 
(a) Fort St. Joseph? (b) Michilimackinac? What treaties finally ended hos- 
tilities? Who was General Bradstreet? In what ways is it said that the white 
men gained an advantage by the treaties? What posts were regarrisoned? 
Give an account of Pontiac's subsequent life. Give a character sketch of this 
warrior. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The: Territory Lingers in British ControIv. 

The King of Great Britain, at the close of the French 
and Indian war, under the treaty of Paris, in 1763, estab- 
Hshed four separate governments known as Quebec, East 
Florida, West Florida and Granada. 

Quebec was the only one connected with our history, and 
it was many years before even that connection could be 
said to be intimate. Into the provinces thus created was 
introduced the civil and criminal law of England, but 
neither Michigan nor any part of the territory north of the 
River Ohio came within the provisions of the governments 
thus created. 

Detroit Was an Important Place which had more than 
1,000 inhabitants, exclusive of Indians, in its immediate 
vicinity. Eleven years passed before the territory of Mich- 
igan, under the Quebec Act, came within the pale of civil 
government, and then in little more than name. 

In the meantime the people of 

Micliigan Knew No Government other than that of 
military absolutism. The commandants were the source of 
authority, which they exercised either in person or through 
some subordinate. Under some such arrangement one 
Gabriel La Grand, in 1765, seems to have exercised a part 
of the functions of a justice of the peace. 

Later, and in 1767, the commandant, Captain George 
Turnbull, commissioned Phillip Dejean a justice of the 
peace, with powers to make inquiry but not to render judg- 
ment except upon the joint request of the parties. 

74 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 75: 

In the same year he received a further commission as 
Early ''Second Judge," "to hold a temporary court of 

Courts justice twice each month at Detroit to decide 

of all actions of debt, bonds, bills, contracts, and trespasses 
above the value of five pounds of New York currency." 
The first judge was presumably the commandant himself, 
who continued to administer judicial proceedings as was 
customary with the deputy intendant of the French regime. 

The English Authorities, like some of their French pre- 
decessors, saw but one purpose to be achieved in the lake 
country, and that was the nurturing of the fur trade. To 
this end the proclamation of the king forbade the survey- 
ing, granting, or patenting of any lands within our terri- 
torial limits, or the acquiring of title through Indian grants. 

The ten years following 1764 were years of little event 
in our history. Not a few Scotch and Irish traders found 
their way to Detroit and Michilimackinac, and the fur trade 
grew to huge proportions. While the New England colon- 
ists were growing impatient under the restraints and 
aggression of the mother country, the French of Canada 
and the great northwest were quietly submitting to gov- 
ernmental wrongs of far greater magnitude. The reason 
was largely racial. 

In the Blood of New England coursed the spirit of 
Magna Charta and the Bill of Rights. The people were 
imbued with the ideas of politics and independence, char- 
acteristic of their race. The development of the French 
Canadian had been along other lines. He was not lacking 
in the courage and patriotism displayed by his English 
neighbors. He entertained different ideals than they as to 
the essentials of 'his peace and happiness. 

When the storm of the American revolution came, 



76 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

although but fifteen years after the fall of Quebec, it found 
Loyalty of ^^^ Canadian either passive, or active for the 
French English King. Some of this may have been 

Canadians brought about by the passage by the British 
to English Parliament of the Quebec Act of 1774. 

u on y This much discussed act was evidently de- 

signed to keep the disaffection of the colonies from spread- 
ing to the Canadian settlement, for to the French-Canadian 
it granted many rights that were stubbornly denied to col- 
onial Englishmen. One of the provisions of this act was to 
bring Michigan territory under the pale of civil govern- 
ment, as a part of the province of Quebec. 

On November 9th, 1775, Henry Hamilton arrived at 
Detroit as Lieutenant Governor to be the first civil officer 
of the English period. Detroit and Michilimackinac were 
now upon the frontier of civil government, but so far 
removed from the seat of judicial authority at Montreal that 
there was little or no actual operation of government. 

Lieutenant Governor Hamilton was clothed with, or 
at least assumed, well nigh unlimited administrative and 
judicial powers. Under his sway Dejean continued to 
exercise his powers as a justice of the peace. In 1776, they 
brought the authorities at Quebec to a realizing sense of 
Detroit conditions at the distant posts by proceeding 

Under to try, by a jury of six English and six 

English French, a man and woman on the joint charge 

Governor ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ larceny. 

The jury found that they were guilty of the larceny, but 
of the proofs showing arson they had some doubts. The 
verdict was, however, considered warrant for the execu- 
tion of the man, the woman being given her liberty for act- 
ing as his executioner. 

For this unwarranted act they were presented by the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 77 

grand jury, and warrants for the arrest of both Heutenant 
governor and justice were issued from Quebec. Both 
escaped, no doubt because the pubhc attention was engrossed 
with the events of the revolution. It had the effect, never- 
theless, of making both more circumspect in the discharge 
of their judicial functions. 

The Lack of Courts was very much felt at Detroit, and 
in 1777, under permission of the lieutenant governor, the 
merchants of the place established a court of trustees or 
arbitration. Eighteen of them entered into a bond that 
three of them should be a weekly court in rotation, and 
Establish- were to defend any appeal that might be taken 
ment from their decisions, the appellate court being 

of Courts presumably the lieutenant governor. 

This volunteer court rendered judgments, issued execu- 
tions, and imprisoned in the guard house. The work of the 
court seems to have been quite satisfactory to the people, 
and later a similar court was instituted at Michilimackinac. 

The War of the Revolution was now taxing the ener- 
gies of the New England colonies. While the scenes of its 
battles were far removed from our territory, Detroit 
became the seat of many important operations on the west- 
ern border. As both sides sought to use the Indians in the 
revolution, the colonists were not entirely free from the 
blame they later put upon the English. From the very 
nature of things, the English were the only ones who could 
gain an advantage from the employment of Indian 
warriors. 

Alliance of Among the first of the English to propose 

English and the acceptance of their savage service was 
Indians Hamilton. In 1776, he communicated to the 

Against the British authorities his views upon the advisabil- 
ity of such a scheme. In May, 1777, he 



78 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

received a letter from Lord George Germain, which author- 
ized the despatching of Indian bands to "make a diversion 
and excite an alarm upon the frontiers of Virginia and 
Pennsylvania." 

Hamilton Quickly Obeyed his instructions. Before the 
close of the year he had sent fifteen parties of savages, in 
many instances led by whites, to spread death and destruc- 
tion among the border settlements of Kentucky, Virginia, 
and Pennsylvania. 

Many atrocities have been laid at the door of Governor 
Hamilton. He was an intense partisan, ever anxious to 
carry out the designs of his superiors. That he incited the 
Indians to the horrible barbarities they practiced is borne 
out by none of his letters or despatches to Quebec and 
Montreal, although he knew they could not be restrained 
either by his express desires or commands. 

Whatever may have been his designs, the border settle- 
ments, in 1777 and 1778, suffered all the terrors of fiendish 
warfare. The terrible nature of these cruelties was known 
to Hamilton, for in March, 1778, he wrote to General Carl- 
ton, "the parties sent out from hence have been in general 
Indian successful, though the Indians have lost men 

Cruelties enough to sharpen their resentment. They 
have brought in seventy-three prisoners alive, twenty of 
whom they presented to me, and 129 scalps." 

He Could Have Added with equal truth that many of the 
ghastly trophies had been torn from the heads of defense- 
less women and children. In the isolated and far distant 
forest homes there was no longer happiness nor safety. The 
pioneer knew not what day he might be compelled to fight 
for life, or what night he might be compelled to witness 
the slaughter of his innocents by the light of his burning 
cabin. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 79 

The Settlers Retaliated in ways that showed their spirit 
and resentment, but their efforts were of Httle avail against 
lurking bands that stealthily approached, struck their cruel 
blows, and beat a hasty retreat. Many pioneers of Kentucky 
and the border, like Daniel Boone, had been carried prison- 
ers to Detroit. They knew that there could be little respite 
so long as the English felt themselves secure in the north- 
west. 

The bold pioneer spirits of Kentucky formulated a plan 
to send an expedition into the country of the enemy. This 
expedition was, in its conception and execution, one of the 
most important in our own history, for it gave the north- 
west to the colonies. The glory of the achievement belongs 
to 

George Rogers Clark and the few brave men who aided 
him in its execution. Clark was a Kentucky pioneer, a 
native of Virginia, and like Washington, a surveyor. He 
brought the Assembly of Virginia to a realizing sense of the 
terrible condition of the frontiersmen, and after some 
reluctance they voted him a considerable supply of gun- 
powder for the use of his people. 

With remarkable foresight and wisdom, he sent spies, in 
Clark's ^117^ ^^ reconnoitre in the country of the Illi- 

Expedition nois and make a report. He submitted to Pat- 
Intothe rick Henry, then Governor of Virginia, a plan 

Illinois fQj. t]-ie capture of Forts Kaskaskia and Vin- 

ountry cennes. The plan was soon approved and early 

in January, 1778, with a commission as lieutenant colonel, 
at the head of 180 men, he began his march from Williams- 
burg to the far distant country of the Illinois and the 
Wabash. 

It was a march filled with trials, hardships, and thrilling 



80 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

adventure. On the evening of the 4th of July they sur- 
rounded the town of Kaskaskia, broke into the fort, and 
captured the garrison, almost before the astonished com- 
mander knew of their presence. 

The French Inhabitants, as soon as they were made 
acquainted with his purposes, gave him their loyal support. 
Among those taken at Kaskaskia was M. Gibault, the 
worthy priest of Vincennes. He was a man of strong sym- 
pathies for the American cause and tendered to Colonel 
Clark both his allegiance and services. 

Influence News that France had recognized the Ameri- 

of Father can cause and had entered into treaty relations 
Gibault ^i|-]^ ^j^g colonists soon became known at Kas- 

kaskia, and lent enthusiasm to the cause. 

Father Gibault soon tendered his services in ascertaining 
the sentiments of the inhabitants of Vincennes, which were 
gladly accepted. His visit to that place was fortunately 
timed, for he arrived there while the English lieutenant 
governor, Edward Abbott, was absent in Detroit. 

The Good Priest Gathered his parishioners into the 
church and explained the events that had transpired. The 
whole population took the oath of allegiance to the com- 
monwealth of Virginia. When Father Gibault left Vin- 
cennes late in July, he had the satisfaction of seeing the 
stars and stripes waving above Fort Sackville, as the fort at 
Vincennes had been christened. 

Colonel Clark was as much astonished as pleased at the 
intelligence which Father Gibault brought him. He at once 
sent Captain Helm as commandant to the newly acquired 
post, intending to supply him with a suitable garrison as 
soon as possible. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 81 

The news that the Virginians, instead of being driven be- 
Effect of yond the mountains, had taken the aggressive, 
Clark's and had actually crossed the intervening wild- 

Success erness and captured the posts at Kaskaskia and 

Upon Vincennes, brought little short of consterna- 

the EngUsh ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ authorities at Detroit. If the Vir- 
ginians could appear unannounced at the posts on the Wa- 
bash and the Illinois, what was to keep them from Detroit? 

Major Lernoult Was in Command at Detroit, and upon 
the receipt of the startling intelligence began the erection of 
a new and more substantial fortress. Its lines were laid a 
New Fort short distance north of the old palisade. It was 
at Detroit christened Fort Lernoult and later known as 
Fort Shelby. From November until February the forces at 
Detroit labored with exceptional energy in the construction 
of the new stronghold. • 

Hamilton was probably chagrined at the loss of Vin- 
cennes, but a desire to escape the possibilities that might fol- 
low his recent presentment by the grand jury was, no doubt, 
equally influential in his subsequent activity. On the 7th of 
October, 1778, at the head 'of a force of about 150 volun- 
teers and Indians with provisions and equipment, he set 
forth to retake the post of old Vincennes, where he arrived 
on the 17th of the following December. 

Captain Helm, who with one American occupied the 
wretched fort, knew nothing of Hamilton's approach until 
he was but three miles distant. They wheeled a decrepit 
cannon to the gateway. When a short time later Hamilton 
stood at the portal and in pompous language demanded a 
English surrender, Helm stood at his cannon breech 

Capture with lighted taper and refused until the terms 

Fort were made known to him. Hamilton, not 

Vincennes knowing the size, of his force, and wishing to 
avoid bloodshed, offered him the honors of war, which 



82 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

after deliberation were accepted, and the valorous captain 
marched out his one man, as much to the surprise, as to 
the chagrin, of his captor. 

Hamilton at once proceeded to place the old fort in repair, 
and to visit his displeasure upon the inhabitants who had 
had the temerity to espouse the American cause. 

The Happenings at Vincennes were unknown to Col- 
onel Clark, who, at Kaskaskia, had received no tidings from 
Captain Helm since the return of Father Gibault the pre- 
ceding August. In the meantime he had made a warm 
friend in the person of Colonel Frances Vigo, a Spanish 
trader at St. Louis, who had seen service in the army of 
his native land. Upon being acquainted with the desire of 
Colonel Clark to know the condition of the post at Vincen- 
nes, Colonel Vigo volunteered to make the journey and 
gain the information.* 

After capture by the Indians and many other hardships, 
he found the post and learned its total strength and con- 
dition, and on the 29th of January, 1779, delivered his mes- 
sage to Colonel Clark, whose plans for the recapture of the 
post were soon formed and under way to execution. On the 
5th of February the gallant leader at the head of 176 men 
was on his way to further conquests. 

The Sixteen Days' March of Colonel Clark and his 
brave men to Fort Vincennes through swamps and miles of 
drowned lands, where for hours they struggled on in ice- 
chilled waters, forms one of the most heroic exploits in the 
history of our nation. For days they were without food, 
and many times would have turned back but for the 
encouragement and entreaty of their valiant leader. 

At last on the 23d he marched into Vincennes. The day 
before he sent notice to the inhabitants to remain in their 
houses, and said that, if there were any friendly to the king, 
they should ''repair to the Fort, and join the Hair-Buyer 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 83 

General," as he termed Hamilton, "and fight like men." 
Pqj^ The attack upon the fort was sharp and de- 

Vincennes cisive, and after a half dozen or more within 
Again were wounded, Hamilton surrendered. On the 

Taken by ^^j^ Qf March Dejean, who was on his way 
° * ^^ from Detroit, to escape the same indictment 
that had hastened Hamilton's departure, and to carry des- 
patches to his master, was captured a few miles from 
Vincennes. 

The two with one Lamothe, a captain of volunteers, were 
sent prisoners to Williamsburg, Virginia. The imprison- 
ment of the three was exceedingly rigorous and retaliatory, 
for the atrocities and savage barbarities that had been 
visited upon the settlers had been sanctioned by Hamilton 
and his companions. 

The fate of Hamilton and Dejean brought joy to the 
inhabitants of Detroit and excitement to the supporters of 
the king. In Colonel Clark's letter to Major Lernoult he 
sarcastically expressed his satisfaction at the work of the 
English upon the new fort, adding ''it will save the Ameri- 
cans some expense in building." 

Colonel Clark Desired to attempt the capture of Detroit, 
but was obliged to forego the expenditure, as he states, "for 
the lack of a few men." He held the posts at Vincennes and 
Kaskaskia, and so saved our territory and the whole north- 
Importance ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ American cause. This exploit at 
of Clark's the time was quite unknown east of the Alle- 
Bxpedition ghanies, but in the peace negotiations which 
to Ameri- followed it became one of the most important 
can Cause achievements of the war. 

While Major Lernoult was actively engaged on the new 
fort at Detroit, stories of Colonel Clark's success had 
reached Michilimackinac, where Major Patrick Sinclair 
was in command. Sinclair realized that the palisade of the 



84 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

mainland would offer slight resistance to the daring back- 
woods colonel, who was undaunted by distance, floods, or 
famine. 

In the autumn of 1779, the construction of a new fort 
upon the island was begun. The work was prosecuted with 
intermittent vigor, so that the summer of 1781 was well 
advanced before the troops and traders were ensconced in 
their island home. 

General Haldimand, Governor of Canada, gave to the 
new fort the name of Mackinac, although for many years 
the name of the region, Michilimackinac, continued to be 
applied to it. With the advent of Colonel Sinclair at 
Michilimackinac, Major De Peyster, who had commanded 
there, was transferred to Detroit. De Peyster, among many 
praiseworthy efforts, made grants of land to the settlers. 
These grants tended to the prosperity of the community and 
the increase of its population, which in the year given num- 
bered 2,207. 

Among the grants given the most liberal was made by 
De Peyster to himself, being a tract of 5,000 acres. There 
Grants seems to be evidences that the commanders at 

of Land both Detroit and Mackinac were conducting 

affairs with liberality in their own interests. 

With never over 500 troops at Detroit, and much of the 
time not half the number, and never exceeding 121 at 
Mackinac, De Peyster, in one year drew as high as 17,000 
Bxtrava- gallons of rum and 138,000 pounds sterling in 
gance of supplies for claimed distribution alone. The 
English requirements at Mackinac under Sinclair were 

Com- even greater. Indeed, so peculiar became the 

man ers operations of Sinclair at Mackinac, that they 
brought about his imprisonment and ultimate ruin. 

Although somewhat restricted, Detroit continued to be 
the seat of disturbance in the northwest. It was from here 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 85 

that an expedition under Captain Henry Bird, consisting 
of some eighty-six whites and from 500 to 1,000 Indians, 
set forth in March, 1780, to sweep the Americans from the 
northwestern country. It was here they returned, with 
nothing to show for the vast expense of the enterprise, 
except a few prisoners and the story of the pkmdering of 
two small settlements on the Licking river, a tributary of 
the Ohio. 

During the Turbulent Times Detroit was the place of 
shelter and refuge for such renegades as Simon Girty, who 
had "all of the vices and none of the virtues of the Indians." 
From here they penetrated to the distant missions of the 
Moravians upon the Muskingum, and attempted by threat 
and artifice to win them and their peaceful Delawares to 
the English cause. 

The persecution of these poor men and their faithful con- 
verts forms one of the sad chapters of our early history. 
They were living peaceful lives when the Detroit emissaries, 
in 1 78 1, took them from their homes and fruitful fields to 
the plains about Sandusky to suffer through a winter of 
direst famine. The wanton and unprovoked 

Massacre of the Moravian Indians by Americans from 
Pennsylvania, when they returned to gather a harvest from 
their wasted fields, is a foul blot upon colonial fame. 

A remnant of the mission was finally escorted by Simon 
Girty and others of his ilk to Detroit, where De Peyster 
became convinced of the baselessness of the charges made 
against them. David Zeisberger, the principal missionary, 
soon sought to draw the dispersed followers about him, and 
before the close of 1782 their well constructed log houses, 
some twenty or thirty in number, formed a street in their 
village of Gnadenhutten (Tents of Grace) on the Clinton 
river, within the present limits of the city of Mt. Clemens. 

Others of the faith soon joined them, and until 1786, 



86 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

when again dispersed, they were a community enjoying the 
reputation of possessing many virtues. During their short 
The residence the Indian brethren laid out a new 

Moravian and straight road to Detroit. This road, 
Road twenty-three and one-half miles in length, 

known as the Moravian road, was the first wagon way 
within the interior of our state. 

During the Latter Years of the Revolution, England 
was never able to concentrate her forces against the colon- 
ies, because of menacing conditions nearer home. Ireland, 
with the example of the colonies, was seething with unrest. 
France was menacing India, and in 1779, Spain began the 
famous four year siege of Gibraltar. That the contest 
between Spain and England extended to Michigan territory 
is not generally known, but such in fact was the case. 

In 1776, Bernardo Galvez became the Spanish governor 
of Louisiana, and gained the reputation for being one of 
the ablest of the Spanish officials of the new world. In the 
war between Spain and England, the services of Galvez 
that tended to the benefit of the colonies were considerable. 

Galvez Planned an Expedition into the northwestern 
territory with the idea of expanding the possessions of the 
Spanish crown, or of gaining possession of territory that, in 
the final adjustment, might be valuable to Spain as some- 
thing to offer for the surrender of the stronghold of Gib- 
raltar. 

Fort St. Joseph, near the site of the present city of Niles, 
was the nearest post in possession of the English, and to 
that point a Spanish expedition started in January, 1781. 
Spanish ^^ consisted of sixty-five white men and as 

Flag Over many Indians under the command of Don 
Michigan Eugenio Puree. They traversed the state of 
Territory HHnois and approached the St. Joseph river by 
the way of the Kankakee. To Puree's surprise, he found 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 87 

the forest village tenanted by but few Indians and by fewer 
whites. 

The fall previous Sinclair at Mackinac had sent an ex- 
pedition from that place, and forcibly removed from St. 
Joseph the most of the former. Puree, however, took pos- 
session of the fort, and for a few days above its ramparts 
waved the flag of Spain. He razed the fort to the ground 
and retraced his way to St. Louis with no trophy of his 
conquest save the English flag of the demolished fortress. 

This expedition, while it resulted in no benefits to Spain, 
may have been a factor in securing the northwest to the 
colonies. It may have persuaded the English commissioners 
to relinquish to the Americans territory, the title for which, 
if reclaimed, must be contested with Spain. 

The Revolution was Closed by the preliminary treaty 
of November 30th, 1782. By the further articles of January 
20th, 1783, it was agreed that five months should be the 
utmost term of hostilities, and that the armies, garrisons, 
and fleets of England should, with all convenient speed, be 
withdrawn from the United States. It was soon evident 
The English that the mother country intended to retain pos- 
Retain session of the upper country, regardless of her 

Possession treaty to the contrary. 

In August, 1793, Baron Steuben was sent as the repre- 
sentative of the United States to Governor General Haldi- 
mand to demand the surrender of the western forts. 

His Mission Was Fruitless. Haldimand not only re- 
fused possession, but uncivilly declined him permission to 
even visit them. 

In May congress had taken means to inform the Indians 
that hostilities had ceased with Great Britain, and Major 
Ephraim Douglas was selected to deliver the message to the 



88 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Indians of the upper posts. He entered Detroit, as the first 
representative of the new government, on July 4th, 1783. 
First Hep- De Peyster refused him permission either to 
resentative speak upon that subject, or to impart the in- 
to Michigan formation that the treaty made the great lakes 
the boundary between the nations. 

Major Douglas took his way to Fort Niagara, where he 
received the same treatment, and returned to Philadelphia 
with no results from his mission. On the 3d of September, 
1783, the final treaty of peace was signed, and Michigan 
territory became a part of the United States ; although for 
thirteen years its sovereignty was denied and its possessions 
held by British arms. 

Following the termination of the war, Detroit and its 
vicinity received a considerable influx of population. Many 
came not only from New England but from New York and 
Albany. 

The French in greater numbers sought the American side, 
Increase of peopled the valley of the Raisin, and dotted 
Population vv^ith homes the shores from Lake Erie to the 
St. Clair and the Huron. 

The American authorities were illy prepared to force the 
possession that was rightly theirs. Individuals, the states, 
and the confederacy were burdened with debts. The contin- 
ental army was disbanded, and time had not yet recuper- 
ated the strength of the people. 

British Occupation of American Soil was tolerated be- 
cause it could not well be remedied. For five years follow- 
ing the close of the war, government at Detroit, Michili- 
mackinac, and their dependencies was of the same kind as 
that administered in the years preceding. 

In 1788, Lord Dorchester, Governor General of Canada, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 89 

issued a proclamation creating four districts for judicial 
Court of purposes, Michigan falling within the district 

Common of Hesse. The court was known as the Court of 
Pleas Common Pleas, and from its decisions there 

was no appeal except to the governor and council. 

William Dummer Powell was the first judge of this court, 
assuming his duties in 1790. Subsequent legislation by the 
council of Upper Canada brought the people of our terri- 
torial limits the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace; 
the jury system, courts of probate, superior courts, and 
appellate courts of higher jurisdiction. 

The last term of court held in Detroit under British 
authority was concluded on January 29th, 1796. Before the 
time for another term arrived, an event transpired that 
made it inexpedient for British authorities to assume juris- 
diction in Michigan. 

Throughout the Revolution the Indians had acted 
almost entirely with the English, and now that peace was 
Indian declared they were slow to accept it. There is 

Alliances abundant evidence that they were encouraged 
with the by the authorities at Quebec and Detroit to 
English oppose the American government. There were 

some just causes for Indian apprehension and complaint. 
They could not view the aggression of the whites upon 
their ancient preserves without feelings of suspicion and 
alarm. 

The Six Nations and Western Indians felt that all 
treaties which had for their purpose the cession of lands, 
should be negotiated by the various tribes acting as a 
confederacy, and not by the individual tribes. In 1784, the 
government had consummated a treaty with the Six Nations 
at Fort Stanwix, by which the Indians assumed to relin- 
quish rights to a vast tract of territory north of Pennsyl- 



90 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

vania, and west of a north and south hne four miles east 
of Niagara. 

This treaty was urged against the wishes of the Indians 
Indian who were parties to it, and in opposition to 

Treaties John Brant, the chief of the Mohawks, a man 

of talent, of education and commanding influence. 

Two years later, in 1786, one of the largest and most 
inspiring councils of Indians gathered near the mouth of 
the Detroit on the Auglaze river. 

This Great Council embraced representatives from the 
Six Nations and the tribes of the northwest to the Miss- 
issippi. In the address which they adopted, it was clearly 
indicated that it was their purpose to insist upon the Ohio 
river as the westward and northern limits of American 
aggressions. 

Years later their ambassadors reiterated the same idea 
in formal conference with the commissioners of the United 
States when they said, ''We desire you to consider that our 
only demand is the peaceable possession of a small part of 
our once great country. Look back and view the lands 
from whence we have been driven to this spot. We can 
retreat no farther, because the country behind hardly 
affords food for its present inhabitants. We have, there= 
fore, resolved to leave our bones in this small space to 
which we are now consigned. We shall be persuaded that 
you mean to do us justice if you agree that the Ohio shall 
remain the boundary between us." 

The justness and pathos of this appeal must awaken our 
sympathies, but the Star of Empire was leading westward, 
and fate had decreed that the power of civilization should 
prevail. 

Already homesteads were dotting the valley of the Ohio, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 91 

and the Indians obeyed the instincts of self preservation 
to which they were urged on by designing emissaries. 
Border Again the flames of border warfare broke 

Warfare in forth with all their fury. In 1790, it was 
the Ohio found that, in Kentucky alone, since 1783, 
Valley more than fifteen hundred men, women, and 

children had fallen victims to Indian ferocity, or had been 
carried into captivity. 

With the New Constitution the government sought to 
repress the Indian uprisings by vigorous methods. In 1788, 
Marietta was founded, and the next year General Josiah 
Harmar led 1,500 men to disaster and defeat in the country 
of the Miami. 

Undaunted, the government, in 1791, placed General 
Arthur St. Clair, governor of the territory, at the head of 
1,400 men. When nearing the Maumee, they were sur- 
prised by one thousand Indians and suffered a crushing 
Battle defeat. More than one-half of his force suf- 

ofthe fered death in battle, or in subsequent cap- 

Maumee tivity. Defeats only redoubled the energies of 

the government. It was apparent that there could be no 
peace until an army of the Union 
marched, victorious, to the gates of 
Detroit, so that it should cease to be 
the haven for marauding expeditions. 
A campaign with this end in view was 
inaugurated, and the daring 

General Anthony Wayne was 
given its command. He spent the 
spring and summer of 1793 at Fort 
Washington, collecting and drilling 

GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE. recruitS 

In October he set forth with a well equipped army of 




92 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

3,000 men. The English, anticipating his movements, moved 
southward, and in 1794, erected and garrisoned a fort at the 
rapids of the Maumee, called Fort Miami. 

Wayne spent the winter at Fort Grenville, while he 
sought for a pacific adjustment. Failing in this, he 
advanced almost under the guns of Fort Miami, and 
on the 20th of August fought what was, to the Indian 
Battle of confederation, the disastrous battle of Fallen 
the Fallen Timbers. This battle forever broke their 
Timbers power as a serious menace and forced them to 

the Peace of Grenville, ratified August 3, 1795. By the 
terms of this treaty they relinquished the six-mile strip of 
land adjoining the Detroit River from the Raisin to Lake 
St. Clair. 

At Michilitnackinac they conveyed the "lands on the 
island, on which the fort stands," together with a piece of 
territory three miles deep and six long upon the north 
shore. Island De Bois Blanc was styled "an extra and vol- 
untary gift of the Chippewa nation." In other sections to 
the southward their cessions were of rich and vast extent. 

Wayne did not at once march his army upon Detroit, as 
its inhabitants expected. At the request of Washington, he 
halted to await the fulfillment of the terms of the treaty 
Jay's with Great Britain that had been recently nego- 

Treatywith tiated by John Jay, and which had been rati- 
Great fied by the Senate on June 8, 1795. This 

ri am treaty, when made public, was the occasion of 

great indignation throughout the New England states be- 
cause of its commercial restrictions. 

Time has shown that it was the best that could be ob- 
tained. It provided for the surrender of the western posts 
at a date not later than June i, 1796, and so "Mad An- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 93 

thony," as General Wayne was sometimes called, waited 
for the passage of the time. 

While the Mother Country had now removed the last 
obstacle to American possession, her partisans did not pro- 
pose to see the rich fur trade of Michigan pass beyond 
British control without one last effort to maintain it. Be- 
tween January and August of 1795, some ten or eleven of 
the principal merchants of Detroit took to themselves 
grants, or pretended grants, of all the lands eastward of 
about the present principal meridian, and south of Saginaw 
Bay, including other lands in northern Ohio. 

At about the same time, no doubt in furtherance of the 
same scheme, a company was formed with its promoters in 
Formation Detroit and across the river to purchase the 
of Company entire lower peninsula of Michigan at a mil- 
to Control ijon dollars, or a smaller sum if possible. Pro- 
ur rade posals were made to Congress, and when the 
matter was presented December 28, 1795, a certain member 
arose and disclosed attempts at corruption in the further- 
ance of the project. The result was the total failure of the 
project, and the impeachment of one of its agents for con- 
tempt of Congress. 

This was the expiring effort of the sovereignty assumed 
by Great Britain, when Colonel Rogers raised the Cross 
of St. George over Fort Pontchartrain, thirty-six years be- 
fore. On the 1 6th day of June, 1796, Great Britain with- 
drew her garrison according to stipulation, and on the nth 
day of July a detachment from the small but victorious 
army marched in. 

From the ramparts of Fort Lernoult, henceforth known 
as Fort Shelby, 

Old Glory was flung to the breeze, an emblem of peace 



94 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

and of the rule of a free people. General Wayne remained 
in command until November, when he started eastward. 
Death of Fate had decreed that he should never reach 

General his destination. He fell a victim to disease and 

"Wayne ^[^^ ^^ Presque Isle. His name is perpetuated 

in the name of the first county of the state, as well as in 
the fort that stands within its limits. His memory will ever 
remain among the conspicuous in the early history of our 
state and the great northwest. 

REVIEW. 

What separate governments were established in 1763, by whom, and under 
what treaty? How large was Detroit at this time? How was government 
administered at this time in Michigan? What was the sole purpose which the 
English sought to achieve? Compare the spirit of the colonists of New Eng- 
land at this time with those of the great northwest. What was the design 
of the Quebec Act, when was it passed, and with what results? Who was the 
first civil officer of the English period? What can you say of his power? 
Describe the incident of attempting to administer justice at this time. How 
was the lack of courts provided for? Of what importance was Detroit in the 
Revolution? Who proposed accepting aid from the Indians in this war? 
Tell of some of their depredations. How did the pioneers retaliate? Who was 
George Rogers Clark? What provision was made by Virginia for the relief 
of the frontiersmen? Describe Clark's plan and his expedition into Illinois. 
Tell of the capture of Kaskaskia. How did Father Gibault aid the American 
cause? What eflfect had the news of the surrender of Kaskaskia and Vincennes 
upon the authorities at Detroit? What expedition was planned and what were 
the results? Who was Col. Francis Vigo? Describe the recapture of Fort 
Vincennes. What other expeditions did he wish to undertake? Why were 
these ideas abandoned? Of what importance was Co!. Clark's work? When 
and why was a new fort constructed at Michilimackinac? How did it come to 
be called Mackinac? Tell of the liberality with which De Peyster administered. 
Describe Detroit as a seat of military operations at this time. What is the 
Moravian faith? Give an account of De Peyster's treatment of the Moravians. 
Why was it impossible for England to control her colonies? What four nations 
raised their flags over Michigan and claimed her as a part of their territory? 
Give approximate dates of each occupation. Why did Spain desire Michigan? 
Give an account of the expedition under Puree. How did the English dis- 
regard the treaty provisions of 1782-3? What new government had been estab- 
lished at this time on this continent and how were its representatives received? 
What changes in population of Michigan immediately followed the close of the 
Revolution? Were they welcomed? Why were they tolerated? How was the 
judicial system changed in 1788? Why did British authorities assume juris- 
diction at this time? Why were the Indians slow to accept the terms of 
the treaty? What were some of the provisions of the treaty made with the 
Indians in 1784? How did the Indians view these aggressions? How did 
the settlement of the Ohio valley aiifect them? Tell of the efforts of the gov- 
ernment to repress opposition: (a) General St. Clair's effort; (b) General 
Wayne's expedition. Of what importance was the battle of Fallen Timbers? 
Give the chief provisions of the Peace of Grenville. Why had Wayne planned 
to march upon Detroit? Why did he not do this at once? When did Great 
Britain give up her claim to Michigan territory? In what ways did English 
sympathizers seek to retain the control of the fur trade for the mother country? 
When and where was "Old Glory" first raised in Michigan? What became of 
General Wayne? 



CHAPTER VIII. 
A Part of the Northwest Territory. 

With the Closing of the Revolution the original states 
found themselves possessed of a vast tract of country, 
roughly bounded by the Ohio, the Great Lakes, and the 
Mississippi, as well as extensive territory to the southward. 
What we know as the northwest was in whole or in part 
soon claimed by several states. 

Massachusetts and Connecticut traced their ancient char- 
ter limitations westward to the Mississippi. They would 
The Great have gone farther but for the fact that they 
Northwest were stopped by a foreign power. New York 
made claims to all the territory west of the Alleghanies and 
north of the Ohio. 

Virginia not only based her claim upon her colonial 
patent, but also upon the fact that, with force of arms, she 
had taken the territory from the English, and had estab- 
lished counties and exercised jurisdiction within it. 

The Situation Was Vexatious enough by reason of the 
number of rival claimants. It was made more so by the 
fact that five states, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, 
Delaware, and Rhode Island, were without tangible claim 
in the vast domain. It is one of the most striking evidences 
of the pervading spirit of patriotic restraint, which char- 
acterized the time, that all these states yielded their several 
claims to the general welfare. 

Each by appropriate acts of cession surrendered their 

95 



96 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cession of rights and titles to the general government. 
Claims to Connecticut was the last to relinquish her 
General claim. She did this under authority of an act 

Govern- ^f y[^y jj^ 1786, reserving, as had Virginia, 

°^®^ certain lands for the use of soldiers of the 

revolution and other purposes. 

Many a New Englander, worn by long years of war 
and oppressed by debt, was already looking to the valley 
of the Ohio as the land where he could gather to himself 
some of the blessings for which he had suffered. 

Pioneers had blazed the way, and others were impatient 
to follow. Congress was in session in New York in July, 
1787, when Dr. Manassah Cutler of Ipswich, Mass., ap- 
peared as the agent of extensive interests, seeking lands on 
the east of the Scioto river. His mission was successful 
in the purchase of five million acres of land. 

On July 13, 1787, Congress passed an act "for the gov- 
ernment of the territory of the United States, northwest of 
the river Ohio," known to history as 

The "Ordinance of 1787." Next to the Declaration of 
Independence and the Federal Constitution, this ordinance 
is the most celebrated state document in our history. It 
was adopted by the congress of the confederacy, while the 
convention was formulating the federal constitution in 
Philadelphia. 

On the date of the adoption of this famous act, there 
were but eighteen members present to give it their support, 
but into it went the ideas of many great men, including 
those of Thomas Jefferson. He had formulated not only 
the Virginia act of cession, but he had drawn an act for 
the government of the territory in which were included 
many of the wise provisions of the Ordinance of 1787. 

The measure provided for a scheme of government by a 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 97 

governor, secretary, and three judges. The governor and 
judge adopted the laws, which the judges, as the highest 
judicial body, enforced. 

The most significant provisions of the Ordinance were 
contained in six articles. The first of these provided for 
religious liberty. The second was a comprehensive bill of 
rights. The third was prefaced by that sentence which has 
been so expressive of the sentiment of the northwest: "Re- 
Provision ligion, morality, and knowledge, being neces- 
ior Public sary to good government, and the happiness 
Education of mankind, schools and the means of educa- 
tion shall forever be encouraged." The fourth declared, 
that the states to be formed from the territory should for- 
ever remain a part of the confederacy and should share in 
its obligations; that the navigable waters and conveying 
places should remain foreyer free. 

The fifth provided that not less than three, nor more than 
five, states should be formed from the territory, and that 
each should be admitted to the Union under constitutions 
as they attained sixty thousand population. 

This article contained a provision which was the cause 
of much state conflict. It was to the efifect that should Con- 
Territorial gress elect to form five states from the terri- 
Limits of tory, that the southerly boundary of the two 
Michigan northerly states should be "an east and west 
line drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake 
Michigan." 

The sixth contained a provision that may be justly said 
to have changed the course of American history, for in the 
following language it dedicated five great states to free- 
dom: "There shall be neither slavery nor in- 
Slavery , . , . , . , . , 

voluntary servitude m the said territory, other- 
wise than in the punishment of crime, whereof the party 
shall have been duly convicted." 
7 



98 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Virginia 
Versus 
NeTV York 
and Ne"w 
England 



The Authorship of This Provision has been claimed 
for many. That it was first framed by Thomas Jefferson 
is certain. That it was subsequently incorporated by Nathan 
Dane, at the instance of Virginia, has a more substantial 
basis than surmise. 

Why Virginia, a slave holding state, took this position 
is explainable upon but one ground. Virginia expected to 
maintain and increase her prestige and ascendency by keep- 
ing her population within her established limits, 
while she weakened New York and her north- 
ern neighbors by depleting their population to 
people the distant lands. Her statesmen little 
saw that a half century would witness the 
creation of five states within the territory northwest of the 
Ohio River, and that their millions of population, reared 
upon soil which her voice had dedicated to freedom, should 
become the deciding factor in the contest against her when 
the inevitable conflict was to be settled by the arbitrament 
of arms. 

Congress was not long in putting into effect the govern- 
ment provided for by the Ordinance. On October 5, 1787, 
General Arthur St. Clair of Pennsylvania, who was 
with Wolfe at Quebec, and a soldier of the revolution, was 
chosen governor. Winthrop Sargent, 
an able citizen of Massachusetts, was 
made secretary. Later 
Samuel H. Parsons of 
Connecticut, James M. 
Varnum of Rhode Is- 
John C. Symmes of New 
Jersey were constituted judges. 

On the 15th of July, 1788, Gover- 
nor St. Clair, attended by the officers of the new govern- 
ment, made formal entry into Marietta amid imposing cere- 



First 

Officers of 
Northern 
Territory 

land, and 




GEN. ARTHDU Si.' . CLAIR 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 99 

monies and primitive surroundings; for Marietta had been 
founded on the 7th of April previous. 

The county of Washington was soon estabHshed, and the 
machinery of civil government was in motion in the north- 
west. It was ready to move into Michigan when the oppor- 
tunity should arrive. The opportunity came with the evacu- 
ation of Detroit and Mackinac. 

On August 15, 1796, Secretary Sargent, in the absence 
of Governor St. Clair, by proclamation, created the county 
of Wayne, whose extensive boundaries, suffice it to say, 
included the whole of the lower peninsula of Michigan, as 
well as lands in the northern part of the present states of 
Ohio and Indiana. 

It also included the territory west of Lake Michigan, of 
which that lake received the drainage, and north to the 
national boundary in Lake Superior. 

Wayne County, while still the principal county of Michi- 
gan, is somewhat shrunken from its original dimensions. 
Secretary Sargent soon visited Detroit, and created a court 
of limited jurisdiction, a court of five lay judges known as 
the court of common pleas. 

The Supreme Court of the northwest territory, which 
had formerly met at Marietta, Cincinnati, Vincennes, and 
Kaskaskia, now included Detroit within its circuit. When 
Sargent returned to Marietta, he left Wayne county equipped 
with its quota of officials, both civil and military. The 
community was far from American in its characteristics. 
Thirty-six years of English occupation had left little impress 
upon the people of the straits. 

The Village of Detroit was still surrounded by Its ancient 
palisade. French was the language of the community. Two- 
thirds, if not a greater portion of the population, were chil- 
dren of the French regime. All partook of the French indif- 



100 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

ference and careless gaiety. The ribbon-like farms of the 
inhabitants extended back from the water's edge, leaving the 
buildings in close proximity along a common street. On 
many a dwelling, barn, and gate the crucifix stood, the silent 
symbol of their unchanging faith. Along the river bank, the 
only objects that caught the eye of the traveler and lent 
interest to the scene were the stone towers, standing as sen- 
Detroit One tinels on every point and headland, and support- 
Hxindred ing the quaint old windmills, whose slow revolv- 
Years Ago [^^g sails ground the grists of the family harvest. 
There was little to indicate an approaching change. 

But the old regime was at an end, and although the 
growth of population and free institutions within our terri- 
tory was destined to be slow and beset with vicissitudes, yet 
the beginning had been made, and Detroit was to be a place 
of continuing growth and importance. 

In 1798, the northwest territory had acquired the necessary 
population to entitle it to representation in the general assem- 
First Legis- ^^y> Provided for in the Ordinance of 1787. At 
lative Rep- the elections which were held to fill the posi- 
resentation tions, the electors voting viva voce, Solomon 
for Wayne Sibley, Jacob Visger, and Charles F. Chabert 
^^^ ^ de Joncaire* were chosen members for the 

county of Wayne. 

The Legislature Met at Cincinnati February 4, 1799, 
and transacted much business. One of its most important 
actions was the selection of General William Henry Harri- 
son as the first delegate to congress. 

It was this legislative body sitting at Chillicothe, to which 
place the capital had been removed by act of congress, that 
on January 18, 1802, passed an act incorporating the town 
of Detroit with a board of trustees empowered to make by- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 101 

laws and ordinances for Its regulation, a dignity which our 
metropolis had been a century in assuming. 

In 1800, congress had provided that after the fourth day 
of July in that year, all that portion of the northwest terri- 
ludiana tory west of the meridian of Fort Recovery 

Territory should constitute the territory of Indiana. Vin- 
cennes became its first capital, and William Henry Harrison 
its first Governor. 

This arrangement plainly contemplated the three state plan 
for the northwest. The line passed a few miles west of 
Mackinac and threw the western half of our lower peninsula 
into the new formed territory. The eastern portion, which 
embraced all the population, remained with Ohio. 

A movement was soon on foot for the creation of a new 
state. 

Ohio had not yet attained much more than half the 
required sixty thousand, but on the 30th of April, 1802, con- 
gress authorized the people in that part of the territory east 
of Indiana and south of the Ordinance line to adopt a 
constitution. 

Wayne county was thus severed from her southern connec- 
tion, and without a voice in the matter, was attached to Indi- 
"Wayne ^^^- "^^^^ ^^^^ done against the protests of her 

County people and the protests of considerable portions 

Becomes of the people of Ohio. 

a Part of j^ ^^s a political move that created great dis- 

satisfaction at Detroit at the time, for the people 
of Wayne county thereby lost their right of representation, 
being placed with Indiana, and were made subject to the rule 
of the governor and judges. 

The Union with Indiana was to be of brief duration. At 
this distance, nothing remains either as to legislation or 



102 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

State events of public interest. Ohio became a state 

of Ohio by an act of congress under date of February 

19, 1803. A strong movement was soon inaugurated at 
Detroit for a Michigan Territory. 

Atout this time congress, by an appropriate act, made pro- 
vision whereby section sixteen of each township should be 
reserved for school purposes, and that an entire township 
Educational in each of the districts from which the states of 
Fund Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois have been 

formed, and to which the Indian title had been extinguished, 
should be reserved for a seminary of learning. This im- 
portant act was passed on March 26, 1804. It was the germ 
of the 

University and Primary School funds of Michigan. On 
January 11, 1805, the movement for a Michigan Territory 
bore fruit in the form of a congressional enactment which 
provided ''that from and after the 30th day of June next, all 
that part of Indiana territory which lies north of a line drawn 
east from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan, 
Territory until it shall intersect Lake Erie, and east of a 
of Michigan Hne drawn from the said southerly bend 
through the middle of said lake to its northern extremity, 
and thence due north to the northern boundary of the United 
States, shall for the purposes of temporary government, 
constitute a separate territory, and be called Michigan." 

By the same act, the ordinance of 1787 became our ter- 
ritorial charter, and Detroit our seat of government. Al- 
though the oldest inhabited region of the northwest, Michi- 
gan was still untrodden, vast, and wild. 

Mackinac, Detroit, and Frenchtown, with a few interven- 
ing river settlements, constituted its populous communities. 
In 1800, its census showed a population of 3,206, while ten 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 103 

years later it was but 1,456 more, at which time 

1,650 were citizens of Detroit. No one except 

Indian bands and occasional traders sought the interior, for 

not a tree had been felled in the solemn forest, five miles 

from the shore. 

As Michigan was about to begin her territorial career, it 
was important that her officials who should be charged with 
the guidance of her destiny should be men fitted by tempera- 
ment and experience for their peculiar duties. Unfortu- 
nately for Michigan, such were not chosen. 

For Governor, President Jeff^erson appointed William Hull 
of Massachusetts, whose services as an officer in the revolu- 
Pirst tio" ^^^ earned him an honorable fame, but 

Officers of whose age and temperament unfitted him for 
Michigan the satisfactory discharge of the duties of his 
Territory responsible post. 

The office of the secretary was filled by Stanley Griswold 
from Connecticut, whom Judge Campbell says ''was only 
comfortable when he had his own way." 

The court was composed of Augustus Brevoort Wood- 
ward, Samuel Huntington, and Frederick Bates. Hunting- 
ton scenting trouble, declined the appointment, and John 
Griffin was placed in his stead. 

Bates and Griffin were both Virginians. The former had, 
at the date of his appointment, seen service at Detroit as a 
resident land officer. 

Woodward, at the time of his appointment, was a resident 
of the District of Columbia. He was a man of marked intel- 
lectual abilities, but they were associated with eccentricities 
of such a perverse and contentious natifre as marked him 
one of the most picturesque characters in the early history 
of the state. 

The Governor Reached Detroit on the ist of July, 1805. 



104 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Some of the other officials preceded him a day or two. 
They found the village of Detroit a desolation; nothing re- 
Territorial mained to mark its site but a few ghostly chim- 
Govern- neys and two buildings, a small bakery and a 

ment ^ warehouse. On the nth of June a fire had 

Established ^^^^^ ^jj ^1^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^j^^ dejected people 

were with friends across the river or unhoused in the adja- 
cent fields. 

On the 2nd of July, the Governor administered the oath 
of office to his associates, a "bower" for the use of the court 
was constructed, and 'the work of government begun. 

For judicial purposes the territory was divided into three 
districts known as the districts of Erie, Detroit, and Huron. 
Later a fourth district was created called the district of 
Mackinaw. The names of the districts sufficiently indicate 
the territory that each was designed to serve. 

Matters of small importance were left to the disposal of 
justices of the peace. A court of intermediary jurisdiction 
was created for each district, while the supreme court 
reserved to itself jurisdiction over all land cases and concur- 
rent jurisdiction over civil cases, involving at first $200 and 
later $500. The courts had the general powers of an appel- 
late court. The district courts survived until 1809. 

The Governor and His Associates actively exerted them- 
selves, during the summer of 1805, towards the relief of the 
stricken inhabitants. 

Governor Hull and Judge Woodward repaired to Wash- 
ington, where they passed the winter of 1805 and 1806, urg- 
ing needed legislation for the territory. They were partly 
successful. 

In April, 1806, congress gave the governor and judge 
authority to lay out a 

New Town of Detroit, and appropriated 10,000 acres of 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 105 

land for its purpose. It was September 13, 1806, before the 
basis of the town was laid. The plan of the city was the 
creation of Judge Woodward. 

The old lines of the town were disregarded, and grand 
avenues radiated from the Grand Circus and Campus Mar- 
tius into the adjacent forest. The inhabitants who looked 
Plans of upon the town, which a century had hardly 

Detroit City raised to the dimensions of a respectable vil- 
lage, found in the pretentious plan of the eccentric judge 
much to excite their mirth and derision, which correspond- 
ingly excited the ire of its author. 

After much delay, the inhabitants of the old town were 
granted lots within the new, and the village slowly resumed 
an orderly appearance. Farm lands were in an equally cha- 
otic condition. 

A Land Office was Opened, in 1804, by the general gov- 
ernment at Detroit, and the register and receiver were made 
a board to examine into the legality of the titles by which 
lands outside of Detroit were held. By actual count 442 
farms were found, but out of the number but six could show 
valid titles. 

In a spirit of fairness, the government, in 1807, granted 
to all persons or their heirs who had been owners or occu- 
pants of lands prior to 1796, the lands so owned or occupied 
by them, and not exceeding 640 acres in extent. 

During this same year General Hull negotiated a new 
treaty with the Ottawas, Chippewas, Wyandottes, and Pot- 
Land Titles tawattamies, whereby the Indian title was extin- 
and guished to the southern portion of the territory. 

Boundaries fhis tract was bounded, on its west and north, 
by what is now our principal meridian to a point due west 
of the site of Fort Gratiot, and from thence northeasterly to 
White Rock, in Lake Huron. 



106 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Many square miles of rich lands were thus at the disposal 
of the government, yet it was many years before they were 
surveyed or put upon the market, much to the disadvantage 
of the territory, whose development was thus retarded 

In the Rebuilding of the Village, the people built on the 
most primitive plans and of the simplest materials. The 
most of the buildings were upon Atwater street, and in 1807, 
as rumors of Indian unrest were again prevalent, a new pali- 
sade was constructed enclosing a considerable area by the 
river side, within which were the new homes of the people. 
For several years conditions showed little improvement. 
Frequent quarrels between Judge Woodward and the Gov- 
ernor, and others who came within his displeasure, brought 
not only the agent of the government, but its administra- 
tion, into disrepute if not 
contempt. 

No copy of the school 
1 law of 1809 has been pre- 
served, but we know that 
schools were in existence 
as early as 1802. Even 
many years later they 
were little more than rudi- 
mentary. In the history 
of these days, there is 
one figure that stands out 
in noble proportions, a 
vigorous, helpful spirit 
amid discord and inaction. It is that of 

Father Gabriel Richard, one of the order of St. Sul- 
pice. From his arrival at Detroit, in 1798, until his death, 
as the pastor of the parish of St. Anne, he gave his splendid 




REV. TR. GABRIEL RICHARD. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 107 

talents unreservedly for the benefit of the whole people of 
Detroit and the territory at large. 

It was in 1809 that Father Richard brought out the first 
printing press of the territory. In the same year, he corn- 
First menced the publication of a small newspaper 
Newspaper bearing the title of the Michigan Essay or 
in Detroit Impartial Observer. Although the issues of 
the paper were irregular and not long continued, they 
marked the beginning of the first paper published within 
the territory. 

Father Richard's Efforts extended to many fields. He 
made use of the printing press he had imported to produce 
a few books of his own compilation. He lent the aid of his 
cultured mind to the cause of education, and was ever the 
willing servant of the people, as he was the spiritual shep- 
herd of his flock. 

Detroit was hardly settled in the new abodes when dis- 
quieting rumors as to Indian intrigues and war with Eng- 
British land again filled the settlement with alarm. 

Gifts to The English, although removed from our ter- 

Indians ritory, had never ceased to bestow annual pres- 

ents upon the Indians whom they had left behind. From 
their border military and fur trading stations, they con- 
tinued to exert an influence inimical to American interests. 

Tecumseh, the Great Shawnee Chieftain, and his 
brother, the Prophet, were beginning to wield a strange and 
mysterious influence over the Indians of vastly separated 
regions. 

In 1809, Governor Hull heard the rumors, and on the 
28th of August he met the Ottawa and Chippewa nations 
at Michilimackinac, and in an address, sought to win their 
favor. The following month the famous Wyandotte chief, V 
Walk-in-the-water, and his people, in special council at | 



108 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Brownstown, plainly told Governor Hull of their dissatis- 
faction at the growing encroachments of the whites upon 
the Indians' preserve. 

The Indian Was Suffering in more ways than from 
the loss of his hunting grounds. Contact with the white 
race was imparting many vices and few virtues. 

Tecumseh, as brave and chivalrous 
an Indian as white men ever knew, 
could not look upon the degradation 
of his race without resolving, if pos- 
sible, to stay the hand of fate. He 
always contended that lands should be 
taken only with the consent of all the 
tribes, and not with the consent of 
isolated bands. 

He saw what Pontiac and Brant had 
foreseen, and vainly strove to unite his 

TECUMSEH. •' 

people of the northwest to present a 
united front against the aggressions of an alien race. 

His brother, the Prophet, used his arts to induce the 
forest denizens to return to their primitive life and to drive 
Another the white men from his lands. Tecumseh 
Indian made claim that his efforts were peaceful. 

Outbreak ^hat he meditated the destruction of the fron- 
tier posts, is certain. That he hoped for assistance from the 
British in a war which he knew to be imminent, is presum- 
able. Before his plans could be matured, 

General William Henry Harrison marched against the 
Prophet's town near Lafayette, and there, on November 7, 
181 1, was fought the memorable battle of Tippecanoe. It 
could be quite truly called the opening battle of the war 
of 1812, for it drove the Indians to the British, and made 
Michigan territory the scene of its opening campaign. 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 109 

The Battle of Tippecanoe, although a victory to Ameri- 
can arms, was the occasion of much apprehension among 
the inhabitants of Michigan. 

An impending war with England, with whom was to be 
leagued the Indian horde, presented a most direful prospect. 
Michigan as yet had scarcely five thousand souls. Her two 
forts at Mackinac and Detroit were but feebly garrisoned, 
and even they would be unable to subsist for very long on 
the supplies of the country. 

The British Fleet was mistress of the lakes, and for the 
time, able to effectually block succor from that direction. 
To bring supplies by land, meant to traverse a wilderness 
trail of some two hundred miles to the Ohio settlements. 
To keep such a means of communication open, involved a 
task of great proportions. 

The People of Michigan were keenly alive to all the 
conditions, and in December, 1811, the leading citizens of 
Detroit signed a memorial to congress, calling attention to 
the critical condition of the territory and petitioning for 
means for its defense. 

About the same time, Governor Hull went in person to 
Washington to add the weight of his personal views to the 
petitions of his constituents. Many of the statesmen of 
that day refused to look upon Canada as a source of any 
danger to the United States. Many believed that the Cana- 
Relation of dians needed only to be given the opportunity 
Canada to to become the active allies of the American 
the United Cause. Mr. Clay said, ''We can take Canada 
States without soldiers; we have only to send officers 

into the province, and the people, disaffected towards their 
own government, will rally around our standard." 

Governor Hull Knew Better than this, and so informed 
congress. There were others who held no such optimistic 
views as Mr. Clay regarding Canada as a place for "self 



110 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

conquest," although he represented the attitude of the then 
dominant party. 

However, steps were taken to provide a force to meet the 
exigencies of the Michigan frontier. Governor Hull was 
offered the command, which he very wisely declined. After 
Colonel Kingsbury, to whom the command was given, was 
disabled by sickness from assuming it, he unwisely accepted. 

Governor Hull had already declared that the command of 
the lakes was essential to the command of Michigan, and 
the war department should have been persuaded, and Gover- 
nor Hull himself convinced, that with a few Michigan volun- 
teers and 2,000 Ohio Militia, he could not make the kind of 
a campaign the government expected. 

On May 25, 1802, Governor Hull at the head of 300 regu- 
lars under Colonel Miller, and three regiments of militia 
Governor numbering 1,200 men under Colonels McAr- 
HuU in thur, Cass, and Findlay, began their march from 

Command Dayton. They reached the rapids of the Mau- 
mee by the end of June. Here they placed the sick and 
heavy baggage, together with official papers showing the 
full strength of his force, upon a vessel for transportation 
to Detroit. 

War Had Been Declared against Great Britain June 18. 
British authorities lost no time in notifying their Canadian 
outposts, and as Hull's vessel passed into the Detroit, she 
was captured by the garrison at Maiden. 

Governor Hull has been criticised for sending official 
papers and military stores by the water route, where the 
Loss of chances were good for their falling into the 

Official hands of the enemy. As a military commander, 

Papers and he should have chosen a course less liable to 
Military danger, but his dereliction in this respect was 

°^®* small compared with that of the war depart- 

ment. War had been declared upon the 18th of June, Gov- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. Ill 

ernor Hull was not notified until the 2d day of July, although 
a messenger could have brought him the intelligence a week 
earlier. 

Hull and his troops arrived at Detroit July 5, and the men, 
at least, proceeded with enthusiasm to prepare for the com- 
ing contest. Four days later, orders arrived from the war 
department to General Hull, investing him with discretionary 
power to either proceed against Maiden or remain on the 
defensive. 

Maiden Was a Commanding Position, and its capture 
was of vital importance. It had but a small garrison, and 
had the general moved with vigor it would have fallen into 
his hands. He crossed the Detroit, dispersed a small force 
at Sandwich, and dispatched Colonel Cass with 280 men to 
reconnoiter in the direction of Maiden. 

Colonel Cass and his command went as far as the bridge 
. over the Aux Canards, four miles from Maiden, where they 
dislodged the British picket guard, and captured the bridge 
with a loss of ten to the enemy. 

The troops were anxious to push on to Maiden, but Gen- 
eral Hull delayed, hoping for artillery. In the meantime, he 
issued a proclamation to the people of Canada, inviting them 
Hull's Proc- to place themselves under the protection of the 
lamation United States ; but Clay's prophecy did not seem 
to be realized. 

While awaiting artillery and Canadian recruits, General 
Hull received information that a detachment under Captain 
Brush was at the River Raisin, conveying supplies from Gov- 
ernor Meigs of Ohio for Detroit, and sent Major Van Horn 
with 200 men to strengthen the escorts. 

The Commander at Maiden received information as to 
the movement, and during the night a body of Indians was 



112 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

thrown across the river near Brownstown. Under cover of 
darkness, they fell upon Van Horn, who, finding himself 
unable to contend against the enemy, retreated to Detroit, 
leaving eighteen dead upon the field. 

The News from Mackinaw, which now arrived, was far 
from assuring, as at Maiden, the British at the fur trading 
station on the St. Joseph were early informed of the state of 
war. Gathering a large force of Canadians and Indians, 
Captain Charles Roberts, having first learned of conditions 
at Mackinac through a traitorous American, landed at the 
island early on the morning of the 17th of July. 

By 9 o'clock, a. m., he gave Lieut. Hanks, who was in 
command of the fort with fifty-seven men, his first news 
The British that war existed between this country and Eng- 
Capture land, by commanding his ■ surrender. He sur- 

Mackinac rendered two hours later, the greatly superior 
force of the British leaving him no other alternative. 

Days of Delay and indecision followed until the arrival 
of the information that General Brock was approaching with 
the reinforcements for Maiden. General Hull, on the 7th day 
of August, recrossed the river to Detroit with a haste that 
had every appearance of flight. 

Upon gaining the Michigan side General Hull dispatched 
Lieut. Colonel Miller with 600 men to do what Van Horn 
had failed to do — open communication with the River 
Raisin. At the Monguagon, they encountered a considerable 
force of British and Indians under Major Muir and Tecum- 
Battle seh. From the dense forests this force poured a 

of the galling fire into the American troops. With true 

Monguagon heroism. Colonel Miller and his brave men 
advanced into the timber, where they delivered a single fire 
and then used their bayonets. 

The British and Indians were driven from their lurking 
places, the former retreating under range of armed vessels 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 113 

anchored in the river, and the Indians scattering in the 
forest. The American loss was eighteen killed and ninety 
wounded. A severe rain storm coming on, the troops fell 
back upon Detroit. It was now determined to bring in the 
supplies by another route farther back from the river. 

On August 14, Colonels Cass and Mc Arthur, with 350 
of the best troops, were sent forward for that purpose. On 
the same day General Brock arrived at Maiden, and on the 
15th he appeared at Sandwich with 1,300 troops, and sent 
Brock across a demand to General Hull for the sur- 

Demands render of his fort and garrison. Upon refusal, 
Surrender ^ f^^ cannon shot were directed toward the 
fort from whence they were answered with considerable 
effect. Indecision was the marked characteristic of Gover- 
nor Hull's movements for the day. 

Surrender On the morning of the 1 6th General Brock's 

of Gen. Hull force, numbering about 750 men, was seen cross- 
ing the river. They advanced upon Springwells without 
opposition. Here they halted while a 
second summons to surrender was 
sent forward. In a short time the red 
uniforms of the British and their half 
naked allies under Maissot, Walk-in- 
the-water, and Tecumseh were seen 
advancing. Not a bridge had been de- 
stroyed. Not a detachment had been 
posted along the woods and orchards 
through which their course lay. Alexander macomb.* 

General Hull had cannon planted and sufficient troops 
ready and anxious for the fray to have resisted an immediate 

*Eminent American general, born at Detroit, April 3, 1782. He rose to 
the rank of major-general in the war of 1812. He was connected with the 
military operation in the east, where his distinguished service secured for 
himself a gold medal and the thanks of Congress. He became commander-in- 
chief of the army in 1835, a position which he held until his death in Wash- 
ington, D, C, June 25th, 1835. Macomb county was named in his honor, 

8 




lU HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

attack, if not to have won a substantial victory. As the 
British approached, General Hull suddenly gave orders that 
the detachment posted outside the pickets and on the ram- 
parts should retire within the fort, while the flag of the 
nation was lowered from its place without a blow being 
struck in its defense. 

The White Flag of Surrender was carried to General 
Brock, while American soldiers within the fort dashed their 
muskets to the ground, or shed tears of shame and indigna- 
tion. 

At the time of the surrender of the fort, according to Col- 
onel Cass, Hull had a force of i,ooo men, and among the 
munitions turned over were forty barrels of powder, four 
hundred rounds of twenty-four pound shot, one hundred 
thousand ball cartridges, twenty-four thousand stand of 
of arms, thirty-five iron and brass cannon, with provisions 
sufficient for many days. 

Had a battle been protracted for a short time, the detach- 
ment of Colonels Cass and McArthur would have been in 
the rear of the invaders, for they were but a few mijes 
distant at the time of the surrender, in which they were 
included, although not present. 

At the news of Hull's surrender, a wave of indignation 
swept over the nation. People were persuaded that, from 
corrupt motives, he had betrayed his flag and country. 

He was tried by court martial at Albany on the charge 
of treason and other lesser specifications, and although 
Trial and acquitted on the first charge he was found 
Conviction guilty of the lesser ones, and sentenced to be 
of Gen. shot. He was afterwards pardoned by the 

" president, as it is stated, because of his service 

in the revolution. 

It is presumed that the president realized that the blun- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 115 

ders of the administration in the early days of the war were 
quite as unexplainable as the action of General Hull. 

Armies no more favorably placed than was General Hull's 
have won great victories. With a Gladwin or a Clark at 
their head they would have done so in Michigan. 

The same vacillating spirit that lost Detroit, lost Fort 
Dearborn at Chicago. After the surrender of Mackinac, 
Other Governor Hull ordered Captain Heald and his 

American garrison at Chicago to fall back upon Fort 
Reverses Wayne. This they attempted to do on August 
15. The heroic captain and his spartan band of sixty, 
escorting some twelve families, had proceeded but a little 
way when they were set upon by a large force of Indians, 
and but a third part escaped the tomahawk and scalping 
knife. 

The Loss of Michigan and the lake country, though 
galling to national pride, had one important result. It 
stirred not only the northwest, but the whole nation to 
vigorous action. From every quarter, troops were hurried 
to threatened parts, and energetic measures inaugurated to 
recover what had been lost. 

Recruits from Ohio and Kentucky came forward even 
before their services were demanded by the general govern- 
ment. The army of the west, with General Harrison at its 
head, was soon spreading devastation among the Indian 
villages of northern Ohio and Indiana. 

In January, 1813, General Harrison was at Sandusky and 
General Winchester at Defiance, both preparing for the 
Campaign Spring campaign, which was to be for the 
for the repossession of Michigan. General Brock at 

Recapture once removed British headquarters to Detroit, 
of Michigan ^j^ej-g j^^ proceeded to institute civil govern- 
ment, declaring by proclamation that the American laws 



116 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

should continue in force as long as the peace and safety of 
the territory would admit. 

Colonel Henry Proctor was made civil governor, and 
had he followed the wise counsel of General Brock, a man 
of humane and generous nature, our history would have 
missed some of its sad and gruesome recitals. 

At first Proctor was wise and considerate in his manage- 
ment of affairs, but he soon showed, by petty tyrannies, and 
ungenerous conduct, that he was a man of few sympathies 
and a narrow mind. 

It Was at This Crisis that Judge Woodward was able 
to render valuable service to the people by softening the 
asperities of their irresponsible governor. Proctor at Detroit 
was giving full license to his savage associates, and the 
lonely settlers became the victims of many indignities. 

The inhabitants of Frenchtown were especially subjected 
to Indian annoyances. In January, their complaints reached 
General Harrison at Sandusky, and he ordered General 
Winchester to move forward to the rapids of the Maumee, 
which he promptly did. 

From here he sent Colonel Lewis forward to Frenchtown 
with some 700 men to repel the threatened attack of the 
Battle of Indians upon the settlement. They arrived on 
French- January 18, 18 13, and after a sharp engage- 

town ment, drove away a considerable force of 

British and Indians. Sending information to Winchester, 
that officer came up with some 250 reinforcements, arriving 
on the 2 1 St. The weather was intensely cold, the river 
being frozen so that there was easy passage to Maiden, 
eighteen miles distant. 

Early in tlie Evening, information came to Winchester 
that about 3,000 British and Indians were preparing to leave 
Maiden. He gave it no heed and took no defensive precau- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 117 

tions, leaving the only road over which a force could come 
from Maiden unguarded. He, himself, took shelter for the 
night in a Frenchman's home on the opposite side of the 
river. 

During the night, Proctor, with a large force of British 
regulars and Indians, arrived and took up a position behind 
a ravine. With the sounding of the reveille on the morning 
of the 22d, they unmasked a battery that belched forth a 
storm of grape and cannon shot to which was added the 
crack of rifles and the hideous yells of the Indians. The 
suddenness of the onset and the lack of preparation on the 
part of the Americans threw them into panic. Winchester 
was soon captured and his forces in confusion. 

Majors Madison and Graves, with their original forces 
within the pickets surrounding the village, were able to 
repel the repeated attacks of the British and Indians. 
Proctor, in the meantime, so worked upon the fears of 
Winchester as to the fate of the troops, in case hostilities 
were protracted, that Winchester at last sent a flag to Major 
Madison with an order to surrender his troops as prisoners 
of war. 

Even then the brave Madison refused until he had the 
promise of Proctor that the lives of the soldiers should be 
Major protected ; that sleighs should be provided the 

Madison next morning with which to transport the 
Surrenders wounded to Amherstburg; that private prop- 
erty should be respected ; and that the side arms of the offi- 
cers should be restored at Maiden. 

The Terms of Surrender Completed, Proctor with his 
regulars and the greater part of the Indians, retraced their 
steps to Maiden, leaving the lifeless forms of the brave 
Kentuckians dotting the adjacent fields. Early the next 



118 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

morning the Indians were seen returning, their savage 
natures inflamed by intoxication. 

They at once began one of the most atrocious massacres 
that ever befouled the pages of northwestern history. With 
Massacre Proctor's departure the wounded had been 
by Indians placed in two houses. Into these the Indians 
broke and began the murder of the stricken inmates. 

Later, they set fire to the buildings and shot the poor 
unfortunates as they tumbled from the burning windows. 
It was a day of frightful doings. In barbaric details and 
fiendish cruelties, it has hardly been surpassed. 
' The Close of the Fea'rful Day saw 600 Americans pris- 
oners of war and 397 dead, the greater number being the 
defenseless wounded, who were the victims of the Indian 
war club and tomahawk, to which Proctor's cruel treachery 
had granted full license. The destitute inhabitants were 
ordered to Detroit. Harrison hurried to Winchester's assist- 
ance but was too late. Commander and army had been swept 
away, and the repossession of Michigan was still further 
in the future. Even General Harrison seemed undecided 
what to do. He at once abandoned the Rapids, but soon 
returned, determined to hold the position at any cost. Men 
were set to work upon a stronger fort, thenceforth to be 
known as Fort Meigs. 

The Massacre of the Raisin brought a cry of wrath 
and vengeance from the great new west. Recruits were 
hurried to Harrison, who, in the following May, was being 
besieged by Proctor in Fort Meigs. 

More Kentuckians under General Green Clay had arrived, 
and during the siege, a detachment of some 600 under 
Colonel Dudley were mostly killed or captured. Here the 
barbarities of the River Raisin were repeated under the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 119 

eyes and approval of Proctor, in sight of the men within 
Gen. ^he fort. When a stop was put to the barbar- 

Proctor ous cruelties, it was by Tecumseh, who rebuked 

Rebuked by Proctor as unfit to command soldiers. In July, 
Tecumseh ^ second attempt was made upon Fort Meigs 
by Proctor and Tecumseh, who were joined by a large body 
of Indians from Mackinaw and the Green Bay country, 
collected by Captain Robert Dickson, a noted trader and 
English partisan. They sought to draw the garrison from 
the fort and into an ambuscade by giving them the impres- 
sion that reinforcements were at hand, and endeavoring to 
gain the fort. For a time the adjacent forest resounded 
with all the noise and tumult of a terrific battle. 

General Clay was not deceived, and kept his forces within 
the fort, notwithstanding their desires to sally forth for the 
assistance of their supposed beleagured countrymen. The 
ruse failing, the forces departed, and on the 31st appeared 
Major before Fort Stevenson, against which they 

Croghan's made a most vigorous assault. Major Croghan, 
Defense ^ mere youth of twenty-one, and his 160 brave 

men held the fort, and repulsed the attacks with such vigor 
and loss to the enemy that Proctor was obliged to with- 
draw to Maiden. 

It Had Become Very Apparent that if Michigan was 
to be retaken and held, it would be necessary to follow the 
advice given by Hull two years before, and put a fleet in 
control of Lake Erie. Early in 1813, sailing master Daniel 
Dobbins, with the assistance of Noah Brown, a ship carpen- 
ter of New York, had begun the construction of several ves- 
sels at Presque Isle (now Erie), Pennsylvania. 

On March 2y, 1813, as the two brigs, the Niagara and 
the Lawrence, were nearing completion, 



120 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Oliver Hazard Perry of Rhode Island, arrived from 
Norfolk, Virginia, to assume command. The work was 
Preparation pushed with great energy. Trees were felled 
of Com. in the forest and warped to their places in the 

Perry's vessels before nightfall. The equipment was 

Fleet dragged overland from Pittsburg. 

The English lost Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, which 
released five small vessels to reinforce the new squadron at 
Erie. By the loth of July the fleet 
was ready to cross the bar and con- 
test for the supremacy of the inland 
seas. The gallant commander was 
impatiently waiting for men and a 
favorable opportunity. Both came in 
the early days of August. 

The British had been tireless watch- 
ers outside the harbor, but they were 
off guard on the 4th of August and the 

OLIVER H. PERRY. ^ a • n i r i 

first American fleet that ever fought 
in line of battle sailed out upon old Erie's blue. On the 
1 2th, a hundred men having been added to the crews, the 
fleet set sail for the western extremity of the lake, where, 
when they arrived, plans for concerted action were made 
by Perry and General Harrison. 

The British fleet was at Maiden under command of 
Captain Barkley, a veteran who had seen service under 
Comparison Nelson. The Americans had nine ships to the 
of the British six, manned by 490 men to the British 

Two Fleets ^02. The British had sixty-three guns, the 
Americans fifty-four. The American guns, although of 
lower range, hurled one and one-half times the metal of 
the British. 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 121 

Perry Spent Many Days in Preparation, maneuver- 
ing and impatiently awaiting the appearance of the British. 
On the morning of September lo, the lookout on Gibraltar 
Island in Put-in-Bay signaled the approach of the British 
fleet. The Americans sailed out to give battle. 

The Lawrence, the flag ship, led the way. At her mast- 
head was a blue flag bearing in white letters the words of 
the great commander, whose name she bore, ''Don't give 
up the ship." There was but a light breeze, and for a 
considerable time the longer range of the British guns gave 
them the advantage. 

At twelve o'clock, while the fleets were still a mile apart, 
the Lawrence drew the fire of the British fleet, to which 
Perry's she could make but slightly effective answer. 

Victory on With two smaller vessels she forged ahead 
Lake Erie ^q come within closer range, and for two hours 
and forty-five minutes she stood the brunt of battle. Broad- 
side after broadside, which were valiantly returned, tore 
down her upper works and pierced her side, filling her with 
dead and wounded. At last out of the crew of 103, but 
twenty w^re left unhurt. 

At 2:30 Perry, in an open boat, left his flagship and 
repaired to the Niagara, which, with the remainder of the 
fleet, had been brought into fortunate position by favorable 
wind. The blue penant of the flag-ship again waved from 
the Niagara, and for the first time the whole fleet was in 
close action. The heavier guns of the Americans now 
tore gaping wounds through the ships and crews of the 
British and enemy. In eight minutes the battle was won. 
American The Americans had lost 123 men, and the 
Loss British 135 in killed and wounded. 

Perry Told the Story of the battle in his dispatch to 



122 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

General Harrison, written on the back of an old letter sup- 
ported, while being written, on top of his navy cap. 

Proctor Evacuated Maiden to the disgust of Tecumseh, 
who asked that the supplies and ammunition be left to the 
Indians, if he did not have the courage to remain and 
fight. 

On the 27th Perry's fleet landed Harrison's army on the 
Canadian side. They found Maiden deserted and its bar- 
racks burned. 

On the 28th they pushed on to Sandwich, and on the 
same day General McArthur crossed over to Detroit, and 
Detroit again raised the flag of the Union to the view 

Again in of an overjoyed community. On the 30th, 
Possession General Harrison was joined by Richard M. 
of the Johnson and his force of mounted riflemen, and 

mencans ^|^^ united forces, 3,500 strong, marched after 
Proctor, who on the 5th of October, was found strongly 
posted on the River Thames, near the Moravian town 
thirty miles east of Lake St. Clair. 

The battle was short, the British line breaking at the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 12^ 

first impetuous charge of Johnson's cavalry, who, turning 
Battle of i" ^^^^^^ ^^^^' t^^^k many prisoners. The most 
the Thames determined stand was made by Tecumseh and 
Death of his Indians, but even they gave way before the 
Tecumseh determined onset of the Americans, who 
rushed forward with a cry of "Remember the Raisin." 

Proctor escaped with 107 officers and 239 men, but his 
brave ally, Tecumseh, was dead upon the field. 

The Indian Confederacy was now no more. The defeat 
left the several tribes in direful straits, but they found in 
General Harrison a humane conqueror, who could be as 
helpful in peace as he was vigorous in war. 

On the 14th of October, General Harrison, who had re- 
paired to Detroit, appointed General Lewis Cass provisional 
governor of Michigan territory. The battle of the Thames 
ended most military operations in the west, although, in 1814. 
General McArthur conducted an expedition to Lake Ontario 
and swept back along the shores of Erie. 

In the same year, an expedition for the capture of Macki- 
nac resulted in defeat to American arms. 

The British Held the Fort until the close of the war by 
the treaty of Ghent, December 24, 1814. On July 18, 1815, 
formal possession was surrendered to Colonel Butler and his 
American command. Colonel McDowell and the British 
garrison retired to Drummond Island, where they laid out 
a post of commanding pretensions. Although the island 
was American territory, the British at this place, as at De- 
troit at the close of the revolution, were loath to wholly 
relinquish their hold upon the northern passage. Here, 
contrary to treaty stipulations, they continued until Novem- 
ber 14, 1828, when they took their departure. 

To-day the curious tourist finds only a tangled, vine- 
grown cemetery, tottering stone chimneys, and aged lom- 
bards to tell the story of their years of illegal occupation. 



124 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Michigan Will Ever Owe a Debt of gratitude to Ken- 
tucky, for aid during the trying days of the war of 1812. 
It was the brave Kentuckians that raised their arms as our 
Michigan's defenders. In their country's service, 17,000 
Debt to of her noble sons were volunteers and many of 

Kentucky them mingled their ashes with our soil. The 
names of Shelby and Johnson are worthy to be remembered 
in the list of those who have ever been willing to give of 
their talents, and services for the benefit of liberty and hu- 
manity. 

REVIEW. 
What constituted the great northwest? What states claimed this territory, 
and upon what were the claims based? When and how were these claims 
settled? Tell all you can of the adoption of the ordinance of 1787. State 
some of its chief provisions as to government. Give the substance of the 
"six articles." Wlio frarned the "article" regarding slavery? In what unex- 
pected ways did this prove an important factor in the Civil War? Give an 
account of Congress' first movements in putting into effect the government 
provided by this ordinance. Compare the original Wayne county with the 
present. Describe Detroit and vicinity at that time. Give an account of the 
meeting of the first legislature. When was Indiana territory set apart? What 
constituted this territory? Tell of Wayne county as a part of Indiana terri- 
tory. What early appropriations of lands for educational purposes were made 
in northwest territory? When did Michigan become a territory, what were 
her boundaries, and where her capital? Who were Michigan territory's first 
officials and what can you say concerning them? What was the first work of 
the new officials? What disaster had happened at Detroit? Describe the plan 
of the new Detroit? What measures did Congress pass for her relief? In 
what condition were farm lands at this time and how was this remedied? 
What Indian tribes granted lands to the government in 1796 and state the 
extent of these lands? What can you say of the first schools? Who was 
Father Gabriel Richard, and what of his work? How did the English influence 
American interests in the territory at this time? Who were Tecumseh and 
The Prophet, and how did they view the existing conditions of their people/* 
What remedies did they plan for improving these conditions? Of what sig- 
nificance was the battle of Tippecanoe? When, where, and by whom was it 
fought? What conditions in Michigan made war at this time undesirable? 
How did Congress regard Canada? What military provision was made for the 
protection of Canada? How did a dereliction of the war department cause 
unnecessary loss? Of what importance was Maiden? Locate it on your map. 
What plans were made for its capture? What delay caused failure? Describe 
the battle at the River Raisin. What was the fate of Fort St. Joseph? Give 
an account of Lieut. Col. Miller's encounter with the British and Indians at 
Monguagon. Why do you think General Hull wrong in surrendering Detroit 
at this time? What was the national effect of Hull's surrender? Give an 
account of the loss of Fort Dearborn? What was the result of these losses 
upon the spirit of the Americans? Who was Col. Henry Proctor? What can 
you say of his conduct? Describe the encounter of Col. Lewis' and Proctor's 
forces. What other victories did Proctor gain at this time? Give the chief 
facts in regard to the "Massacre of the Raisin" which followed. What relief 
was sent to Winchester? Give an account of the second attempt upon Fort 
Meigs. Describe the preparation for gaining control of Lake Erie. Why was 
the control of the lakes very necessary? Describe the encounter of the British 
and American fleets. Briefly state the events of the War of 1812, which fol- 
lowed in Michigan. Where is Drummond Island? What debt does Michigan 
owe Kentucky, and why? 



CHAPTER IX. 

Territorial Tutelage. 
The War Left the People of Michigan in the direst 
poverty and desolation. There were few homes whose circles 
had not been broken. The population of the territory had 
been considerably reduced, both in numbers and means of 
support, for the troops and Indians had driven off the cattle 
and requisitioned the harvests until many of the people were 
reduced almost to starvation. In their extremity they were 
fortunate in at least one thing. 

Lewis Cass had been made the governor of their terri- 
tory. He was destined to be its most helpful factor in its 
hour of need, while his life and influence was felt for good 
in the later years of prosperity, when she had grown to the 
dignity of a sovereign state. 

Lewis Cass was born at Exeter, New Hampshire, October 9, 
1782. His parents were of old New England stock. His father had 

entered the army of the revo- 
lution, a private soldier, the 
day after the battle of Lex- 
ington. He left it with the 
rank of captain, upon its dis- 
bandment in 1783. 

Lewis was the eldest in a 
family of five. Until his sev- 
enteenth year he received the 
benefits of the instruction of- 
fered by the Exeter Acad- 
emy, an institution of much 
prominence. Here many boys 
who were afterwards men of 
distinction, were his associ- 
ates, and among them was 
Daniel Webster. 

Young Cass spent some 
time as a teacher at Wilming- 
ton, Delaware, and later en- 
joyed short residences at 
Harper's Ferry and Winches- 
ter. In the meantime, the father, Jonathan Cass, had turned 
his steps toward the valley of the Ohio, which was proving 

125 




LEWIS CASS. 



126 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

the land of promise to many whom the revolution had left with 
little more than hope for the future, and consciousness of duties 
performed. 

In 1802, young Lewis became a member of the Marietta bar, he 
having come to that place with his parents in 1800, and having 
spent the interim as a student in the office of Governor Meigs. His 
abilities quickly commanded the attention of his immediate asso- 
ciates, and a rising fame soon spread to distant regions. In 1806, 
he was made a member of the Ohio legislature. His services here 
were profitable to his state, and an honor to himself. 

Between his service in the state legislature and the opening of 
the year 1812, Cass had built up a large and lucrative business in 
his chosen profession. Through connection with cases of much 
importance, his name had become known to the distant places in 
his state. When the call came for men to volunteer in the service 
of their country, he was one of the first to close his office door and 
offer himself for the service. 

This eventually brought him to Michigan, with whose interests 
he was afterwards to be identified. The close of the war of 1812 
was a critical time for Michigan, and no better man than Lewis 
Cass could have been selected to guide its destiny. He was in the 
fresh vigor of his young manhood. He was honest and patriotic. 
He had wisdom and culture, and more than all he knew the people 
and their lives, and was able to appreciate their adversities and join 
in their hopes and aspirations. He held their confidence while he 
lived, and in death he should ever hold our grateful remembrance. 

At the time Lewis Cass was made governor, William 
Woodbridge, also of Marietta, was made secretary. He was 
likewise a man of strong individuality and of more than 
ordinary attainments. 

Governor Ca'ss at once applied himself to the duties at 
hand. The war was over, but the Indians were still trouble- 
some, and as superintendent of Indian affairs, he met them 
Cass' Deal- ^^ council and effected treaties both of amity 
ings with and cession. When these failed to secure peace 
Indians and safety to the exposed inhabitants, vigorous 

4neasures were employed that brought the desired end. 

The immediate necessities of the people were, in a meas- 
ure, relieved, and every obstacle removed that stood in the 
way of the people's working out their own prosperity. 

Early Surveyors sent to survey bounty lands in 1812, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 127 

had given the state an evil reputation by reporting that they 
had gone fifty miles north -from the Ohio and Indiana line 
into Michigan, and had found it a succession of tamarack 
swamps and sand barrens unfit for cultivation. 

Governor Cass did much to correct the erroneous impres- 
sion that created. The national government was induced to 
begin the survey of lands to which Indian title had been 

^ . extins^uished in 1816. The survey was antici- 

Organiza- ^ -^ 

tion of pated by a year in the creation of Wayne county 

Wayne to meet the changed boundaries of the territory. 

County It was organized by proclamation of Governor 

Cass November 21, 181 5, and included all the land in the 
territory to which Indian claim had been extinguished. 

John Jacob Astor, in 181 5, consummated what he had 
attempted before the war, the re-establishment of the Ameri- 
can Fur Company, with himself as president and principal 
shareholder. Mr. Astor secured favorable legislation from 
congress forbidding foreigners to engage in the fur busi- 
ness within the United States. 

For many years Mackinac Island was the principal station 
of the company. From here the traders went with their 
supplies, and annually returned with the peltries gathered 
from regions as far distant as the northern 
American reaches of the Missouri River. At the annual 
Fur Com- gatherings in July, fully four hundred clerks 
pany and traders with two thousand French Cana- 

dian voyageurs and as many Indians, would gather on the 
island and spend a day in primitive jollity and riotous dis- 
order. Peace brought other evidences of progress. 

Before the close of 181 5, the Rev. Joseph Hickox, a Meth- 
odist clergyman, was in Detroit preaching every three weeks 
to a class of seven, that had been gathered into a society as 
early as 1809. A year later the Rev. John Monteith, who 



128 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

was later to be identified with the early educational efforts 
of the state, was delivering weekly discourses of a marked 
Calvinistic bias. 

Indiana Was Admitted as a state in 1816. Her north- 
ern boundary, instead of being fixed at the Ordinance line, 
which it will be remembered was an east and west line 
through the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan, was placed 
ten miles north of that line. 

This action was contrary to the Ordinance, and against 
The North- ^^e rights of Michigan. That portion of Michi- 
ern Bound- gan was without inhabitants at the time. The 
ary of state was without a newspaper or voice in con- 

Indiana gress, so the incident created but little interest. 

The Need of a Newspaper was keenly felt in the terri- 
tory, especially by its business and official interests. It was 
through the influence and under the patronage of Governor 
Cass that two young men, John C. Sheldon and Ebenezer 
Reed, were induced to take up the publication of the 
Detroit Gazette, a democratic paper. 

This paper made its appearance in 1817, and marked the 
A News- beginning of uninterrupted newspaper publica- 
paper tions within the territory. 

It was in this same year that Augustus Woodward, still 
chief justice of the supreme court, drew up and had enacted 
his scheme for a Catholepistemiad or University of Michi- 
gania. It may be said to be the legal predecessor of the 
present University. The pedantry of the act was the occa- 
University sion of much ridicule, and subsequent enact- 
of Michigan ments supplanted it with a less pretentious but 
more effective act. 

A modest building was soon provided at Detroit. Rev. 
John Monteith and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Richard were duly 
appointed to all the professorships, and they forthwith made 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 129 

provision for primary schools at Detroit, Frenchtown, and 
Mackinaw, and an academy and college in Detroit. 

Illinois Became a State in 1818, and all of the old North- 
west Territory north of Indiana and Illinois became a part 
of the territory of Michigan. 

The national survey had now sufficiently progressed to 
allow the placing of lands upon the market, and they were 
accordingly put on sale in areas as small as eighty acres. 

The Population of the Territory was now such as per- 
mitted entry upon the second state of territorial existence, 
as provided for by the Ordinance. There was still a large 
French element in the population to whom the rights of 
Represen- popular sovereignty had little meaning, and the 
tationin proposition, when submitted to a popular vote. 
Congress ^^^g given a decisive defeat. Congressional 
action, in 18 19, had given to Michigan the right to elect a 
territorial delegate. 

The First Elective Officer of the territory, William 
Woodbridge, territorial secretary, was the first to be hon- 
ored by election. The incidents of progress were now com- 
ing with rapid stride. 

The year 1819 witnessed the organization of the bank of 
Michigan at Detroit, an institution which for many years 
played an important part in the financial afifairs of the com- 
munity. 

The same year the Walk-in-the-water, the first steamship \ 
of the lakes, made a round trip from Buffalo to Mackinaw. \ 
Steamship It had made the port of Detroit the year 
on the previous. From this date, this boat and its 

Lakes successor continued a means of easy transit 

from Buffalo to Detroit. 

While these things so helpful to the development of Michi- 
gan were transpiring, Governor Cass n-^et the Indians in a 
9 



130 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

great council at Saginaw, and negotiated what is generally 
known as the Cass Treaty. 

By this treaty the Indians relinquished to the United 
New States the lands from the vicinity of Kalamazoo 

Counties to the head of Thunder Bay River. By 1820, 
Organized ^j-jg counties of Wayne, Monroe, Mackinac, 
Macomb, and Oakland had been organized, and in that 
year a 

System of County Courts was established, presided over 
by a chief justice and two associate justices in each county. 
It was the intermediary court between justices of the peace 
and the supreme court of the territory. Townships had not 
yet been created, and local affairs were in the hands of three 
county commissioners, who, with the county officers, were 
appointed by the governor. 

At the close of the war, the territory was practically with- 
out roads. Their necessity from a military standpoint was 
Construe- brought before congress by the governor and 
tion of his secretary with so good effect, that that body 

State Roads authorized the construction of a road connect- 
ing Detroit and Sandusky, and a second road connecting 
Detroit and Chicago. 

By 1820, the latter had been completed in primitive fash- 
ion to ten miles beyond Monroe, while at about the same 
time a post road had been extended from Detroit to Mt. 
Clemens and Pontiac. 

The Census Now Disclosed that, notwithstanding the 
reduction caused by the war, Michigan now had a popula- 
tion of 8,765, nearly twice what it was in 1810, a greater 
growth than she had made during the century preceding. 

That the territory and the country might profit by a more 
acute knowledge pf the lake country, Governor Cass, in 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 131 

1820, projected an expedition to explore the country through 
the upper lakes to the head of the Mississippi. 

The expedition consisted of the governor, a corps of scien- 
tific men, and a company of thirty soldiers, and left Detroit 
Explora- o^ ^^^ 24th. of May. Their transports were 
tion of the the bark canofes used in the fur trade, crafts 
Upper Lake well adapted for exploration. They reached 
Country Mackinaw in safety, and providing an extra 

escort, they pushed on to the Sault, where they arrived June 
14th. 

A Small Cluster of Buildings and a half dozen French 
and English families constituted the village of Sault Ste. 
Marie. The pretentious establishments of the Northwestern 
Fur Company, on the Canadian shore, was the predominat- 
Sault Ste. ing influence in the region. One of the pur- 
Marie poses of the expedition was to establish a new 
fort in the place of the French, long since fallen into decay. 

To agree upon the boundaries of the old cession, and to 
promote, if possible, friendly relations, Governor Cass called 
a council at his tent for the i6th. It was attended by an 
Indian concourse, one of the chiefs in the uniform of a Brit- 
ish general. 

The Governor Explained his purpose only to find that 
his advances were met with every evidence of savage dis- 
pleasure. After vainly seeking their friendly co-operation, 
he informed them that the fort would be built whether they 
agreed to it or not. The council broke up in some disorder. 

One of the chiefs, with manacing gestures, planted his 
war lance in the ground and contemptuously kicked away the 
presents which had been placed before him. 

The Indians withdrew to their own encampment, and soon 
the British flag was seen flying before one of its principal 



132 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Gov. Cass' wigwams. Governor Cass, unattended, save by 
Policy with his interpreter, walked over to the encampment, 
Indians ^qq|^. down the offending flag, and carried it 

away with him. He informed the astonished chief that none 
but the American flag must be raised upon our soil, and 
that should they again presume so to do, the United States 
would put a strong foot upon their necks. 

They Were Unprepared for such boldness, and seemed 
hardly to know what to do. They soon sent away their 
women and children as though meditating an attack, but the 
sight of sixty-six armed, resolute men, and the counsels of 
a head chief who had not taken part in the deliberations, had 
a quieting effect. 

Before the close of the same day, the Indians again assem- 
bled and signed a treaty remarking the old cession of sixteen 
square miles. Leaving Sault Ste. Marie, the expedition 
coasted the south shore of Lake Superior, followed streams, 
and crossed portages to the Mississippi. 

They ascended the Mississippi and tributary streams, and 
then descended the Mississippi, going to Green Bay by the 
Journeyings Wisconsin and Fox rivers. Here the party 
through separated. A portion returned homeward by 

Wisconsin the way of Mackinaw, while Governor Cass 
and his party proceeded to Chicago and Detroit through the 
forests of southern Michigan. 

The remainder of his party coasted northward along the 
eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The results of their expe- 
dition were of great value to the territory. 

The Governor seemed to be ever busy. The next year, 
1 82 1, among many other duties, we find him at Chicago 
negotiating a treaty with the Pottawattamies and other Indi- 
ans whereby they ceded to the United States all the lands 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 133 

in southwestern Michigan, except that part southwest of the 
St. Joseph River. 

It was in this section, a short distance above the present 
city of Niles, that Isaac McCoy, a Kentucky clergyman, in 
A Com- 1822, founded the Carey mission. For several 

mencement years it was an institution of commanding im- 
iii South- portance in southwestern Michigan. It was 
western more than a mission where religious instruc- 

Michigan ^.^^g ^^^^ imparted. 

It Was a School where large numbers of Indian youths 
were instructed, not alone in the lore of books, but in the 
practical things of shop and farm. Here, in 1830, the Potta- 
wattamies met Governor Cass, and joined in the treaty by 
which they relinquished their last claim to the land of their 
fathers. 

In 1 82 1, St. Clair county was organized. The next year 
Lapeer, Lenawee, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Wash- 
Twelve tenaw were laid out, making in all twelve coun- 
New ties within the territory. Detroit had received 
Counties ^ considerable increase in population, but it was 
still little more than a crude village. 

For many years the clumsy, two-wheeled French carts in 
summer, and the carioles in winter, were the only vehicles 
seen upon the streets. Sundays were given over to boister- 
ous sports as well as to serious meditations. 
' The old whipping post in the market place, imprisonment 
for debt, and selling the poor to the highest bidder, were 
Old French survivors of an older and still cruder time, soon, 
Customs however, to pass away. 

Territorial Government was revolutionized by congress- 
ional action in 1823. It provided for a legislative body in 
the territorial council of nine, to be appointed by tlje presi- 



134 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

dent and confirmed by the senate from a list of eighteen 
elected by the people. It changed the tenure of judicial 
office in the supreme court from life to four years. 

Three judges still constituted the supreme court. One 
effect of the act was that Judge Woodward was dropped 
A System from the number. County courts were still re- 
of Courts tained, and the judges of the supreme court 
were authorized to hold court in given circuits. 

The places of holding court were Detroit, Monroe, Mt. 
Clemens, and St. Clair. 

Previously, in the same year, congress had provided for 
a district court of ample jurisdiction for Brown county, 
which embraced a large extent of country west of Lake 
Michigan and continuous to Green Bay. 

James Duane Doty, a man of ability who accompanied 
Governor Cass upon his tour of exploration, was made judge 
of this court. 

The year 1825 was a very important one for Michigan. 
It marked the completion of the Erie Canal, connecting- 
Michigan by continuous means of transit with the tide 
water at New York. The beneficial effect to the territory 
from this great project was almost immediate. 

Before the close of the season, the steamers Superior, 
Henry Clay, and Pioneer were plying between Buffalo and 
Detroit, bringing hundreds of home seekers to 
our shore. These home seekers struck into the 
adjacent forest, and it was not long before the border coun- 
ties could boast of many a pioneer. 

Governmental Changes were likewise taking place. 
Congress increased the territorial council to thirteen, who, 
two years later, were chosen direct, instead of being selected 
by the president, from a list of twenty-six. It authorized 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 135 

the governor and council to divide the territory into town- 
ships, to incorporate them, and to make provision for the 
election of township officers. 

All officers not representative, in township and county, 
Choice of continued to be the appointees of the governor. 
Minor This provision was rendered almost a nullity by 

Officers j-j^^ governor's appointing the choice of the peo- 

ple, expressed through popular elections. 

The next two or three years brought steady progress, but 
little of historic interest to the territory. In 1826, Governor 
Cass was again upon the shores of Lake Superior, making 
treaties with the northern Indians. The government took a 
renewed interest in roads, and they were pushed towards 
Fort Gratiot, Saginaw, and the Grand River. The fort at 
Detroit was abandoned in 1827, and the military reserve be- 
came a part of the city. 

Eleven Counties Were Laid Out in 1829. Most of 
them like Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, 
More arid Jackson, commemorate the names of promi- 

Counties nent statesmen which the election of President 
Organized Jackson the fall before brought to notice. 

In 1 83 1, Governor Cass, who had for so many years been 
the true friend and wise counselor of the people of Michigan, 
was called to be 

Secretary of War in the cabinet of President Jackson. 
When he had assumed the governorship, it was of a com- 
munity having little more than 4,000 people. The most of 
Cov. Cass them were objects of charity, still suffering 
in Jackson's from every ill incident to war's destruction. 
Cabinet When he left it, the census showed a popula- 

tion of 32,538, and the territory was self supporting. 



136 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

That the president should come to the territory for a 
member of his cabinet, was flattering to its people, and was 
a still greater compliment to the man he chose. The people 
of all shades of political belief reluctantly parted with the 
governor, whose energy and abilities had for so many years 
been so freely given to them. 

General John T. Mason on September 24, 1830, had 
been appointed secretary of the territory, and upon the 
retirement of Governor Cass the year following, became the 
acting governor. 

General Mason, although at the time of his appointment 
Successor a resident of Kentucky, was of the famous 
to Gov. Cass Mason family of Virginia, his father having 
been the first United States senator from that state. 

Mason was a man of broad culture and thorough train- 
ing. Had he been able to devote his abilities to the duties 
of his office, his record would undoubtedly have been hon- 
orable to himself and profitable to the territory, but failing 
fortune and business interests required his personal atten- 
tion, and he was obliged to resign, preparatory to a trip to 
Mexico. 

It was urged, with some basis in reason, that the suc- 
cessor should be chosen from among the inhabitants of the 
territory. It now contained many men eminently qualified 
to bear the honor, and discharge the duties of any office 
incident to their government. These reasons, which find a 
Political basis in the very principles of self-government. 
Parties were supplemented by others that were, if any- 

thing, more potent. Political and personal feeling had 
recently assumed a bitterness theretofore unknown. 

The Anti=Masonic Party, one of those ephemeral 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 137 

growths of our political history, had recently taken hold in 

the new communities. Its 
partisans at the previous 
election had elected several 
members of the territorial 
council. 

When the news reached 
Detroit, in the early days of 
1 83 1, that President Jackson 
had given the appointment 
to Stevens T. Mason, the 
minor son of the retiring 
secretary, the joint causes 
produced a protest of more 
than usual volume. A pub- 
lic meeting was called and 
a remonstrance circulated 
that was quite generally 
signed. The activity of the whig and anti-Masonic fac- 
tions soon dampened the ardor of the Jackson men, and 
their opposition was soon turned to friendly assistance. 

The young man, in an address to the public, in temperate 
and conciliatory terms, showed himself to be no ordinary 
boy. While some kept up the contest, the majority, with 
the spirit born of a new country, were seemingly in favor of 
"giving the boy a chance." 

Although opposition was carried to the senate, the 
appointment was nevertheless confirmed in July, 1831. 

Stevens Thomson Mason, the "Boy Governor," or Tom Mason, 
as he was familiarly called, was one of the most beloved, forceful, 
and interesting characters of our early history. 

He was born at Leesburg, Loudoun county, Virginia, on the 27th 
of October, 1811, and so had not yet arrived at his twentieth year 
when he was made secretary of the territory. In 1815, his father, 




STEVENS T. MASON, THE BOY GOVERNOR. 



138 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



who had inherited what was considered an ample fortune for that 
day, removed to Lexington, Kentucky. 

The boy had every advantage of a cultured home. For many 
generations his ancestors had been the leaders of a society both 
cultured and refined. It was while the family resided in Lexington 
that the young lad first met General Jackson in the suite of Presi- 
dent Monroe, while the party stayed for a time in the Mason home. 
This may, in some measure, account for his loyalty to the young 
man in later years. When young Mason had outgrown his private 
tutor, he became, and was for several years, a student in Transyl- 
vania University. 

Heavy losses to the father from having become surety for others, 
ended his school days. The family removed to Mt. Sterling, where 
the father could give his personal attention to some investments 
at that place. Here the young man, Stevens T. Mason, became a 
clerk in a village store, and was so engaged when the father 
accepted the appointment which brought him to Detroit. 

The feeling with which the young man's appointment was 
received was, in some measure, intensified by the fact that 
the ofifice of governor was vacant, and as secretary he was 
the acting governor. This condition was soon remedied by 
Stevens T. the appointment of George B. Porter of Lan- 
Mason Act- caster, Pennsylvania. Being a lawyer of con- 
ing Gover- siderable practice, it was some time before he 
^°^ was able to give his personal attention to the 

duties of his office, and in the meantime young Mason was 
the executive head of the territory. 

REVIEW. 

Tell of the life and character of Lewis Cass. Why did Michigan need a 
governor of strong personality? When was Cass made territorial governor? 
What were some of the affairs which at once claimed his attention ? What 
was the condition of the fur trade in the territory in 1815? Who was Rev. 
Joseph Hickox, Rev. John Monteith ? What change in Michigan's southern 
boundary caused trouble at a later date? Why was little attention attracted 
at the time? Give the name of the first Michigan newspaper? When, where, 
and by whom was it published? What educational provisions were made in 
181 7? Who was our first territorial delegate? When and where was our 
first bank established? Compare shipping on the great lakes in 1818 with that 
of 1906. What was the Cass treaty? Of what importance was the establish- 
ment of post roads? Compare Michigan's population in 1820 with that at the 
close of the War of 18 12. What expedition of Gov. Cass gave a new idea of 
the territory? Give the results of his exploits and councils with the Indians. 
Of what aid was the treaty made by Gov. Cass with the Pottawattamies? 
What and where was the Carey Mission? State the changes in the territorial 
government made in 1823. Why was 1825 an important year for Michigan? 
What changes in government were made in 1825? When and why did Cass' 
administration close? Tell of some of the changes wrought during his regime. 
What can you say of Cass' successor? When was Stevens T. Mason appointed 
territorial secretary? How was the news received? Sketch the life of young 
Mason prior to his appointment. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 139 

CHAPTER X. 

The Passing or the Territory. 

Every Month Was Now Adding to the population of 
Michigan. Steamships had multiphed, some six or seven 
now pHed the lake between Detroit and Buffalo. They were 
daily bringing the material for the peopling of a state. 

The pioneers were mostly of hardy New England stock, 
those from Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York pre- 
Character dominating. Among them was an unusually 
of First large proportion of men who had had the ad- 

Settlers vantages of liberal education and broad culture. 

They were destined to be of incalculable benefit to the com- 
ing state. 

They laid the foundations of its institutions on broad and 
comprehensive lines, and established high standards of civic 
virtue. Nor were these men to be found only in Detroit. 

The Pioneers were striking deeper and deeper into the 
forest. Villages were springing up in every favored sec- 
tion of the southern border. In every hamlet, and at many 
a "clearing" could be found men and women whose attain- 
ments would have been equal to the demands of our oldest 
and most populous communities. Common hardships and 
privations tended to broad democratic simplicity and sym- 
pathies, even if they did not tend to unity of political views. 

By 183 1 the Free Press, Courier, and Journal of Detroit; 
News- the Western Emigrant of Ann Arbor ; the Oak- 

papers land Chronicle of Pontiac, and the Michigan 

Inquirer of Monroe, were weekly serving their readers with 
well filled columns of foreign and domestic news. 



140 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



They gave attention to matters of state and national policy 
quite out of proportion to their space in the modern news- 
paper. The principles of the Democratic-Republican, the 
Whig, and Anti-Masonic parties, each had their advocates, 
and space was given to the quarrels of factions and individ- 
uals with a liberality now, fortunately, unknown. 




THE OLD SPINNING WHEEL. 



Events Were Now Impending that were destined to try 
the fortitude of the young man whom circumstances had 
Black placed in executive charge of Michigan. The 

Hawk's early spring of 1832 brought disquieting rumors 

^^^^ to the effect that Black Hawk, a famous Sac 

warrior, who, according to treaty, had removed from the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 141 

vicinity of Rock River, Illinois, across the Mississippi, had 
again returned with a band several hundred strong, with 
indications of hostility. 

There was great excitement among the settlements of 
northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, which then formed 
a part of Michigan Territory, and throughout the south- 
western portion of our present state, where large numbers 
of Pottawattamies and Winnebagos either still lived, or were 
within easy striking distance. 

Developments Soon Showed that Black Hawk's inten- 
tions were anything but peaceful. The state of Illinois dis- 
patched a considerable force against the Indians, Colonel 
Henry Dodge, with a body of Michigan volunteers, pro- 
ceeded to hold in check the Winnebagos in the southern por- 
tion of the present state of Wisconsin, and the general gov- 
ernment hurried regulars to the scene. In August, the last 
battle was fought, which resulted in the rout of the Indi- 
ans, and the capture of Black Hawk. 

Detachments of Michigan militia and volunteers under 
General John R. Williams, Captain Marsac, and General 
Joseph W. Brown reached points from Saline to Chicago. 

Their return was ordered, it being apparent that their 
services were not needed. Michigan soldiers thus saw lit- 
tle of the actual hostilities. They were destined to face 
what was far worse. With the breaking out of the war 

Asiatic Cholera was known ta be at the seaboard. It 
had made its appearance at Quebec and Montreal. Presi- 
dent Jackson had become impatient at the conduct of affairs 
at the seat of trouble, and late in June, Colonel Scott was 
dispatched with troops for the frontier. 

Four steamboats started with the command from Buffalo 
to Fort Dearborn. Lake Erie was passed without mishap; 
but while one of the vessels was moored at the dock in De- 



142 , HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

troit two cases of cholera developed among the troops that 
resulted fatally before the ship could get under way. 

By the time they had reached Fort Gratiot, fifty miles dis- 
tant, it was found necessary to land five companies of 280 
men. ]^Iany had been stricken before landing, others were 
Ravages of stricken immediately after. ^lany, panic 
the Cholera stricken, fled into the surrounding forest and 
died alone amid its solemn shade. It is recorded that of the 
280, but nine survived. 

At Detroit the Pestilence spread with frightful ravage. 
It spread to claim victims in the pioneer settlement at ^lar- 
shall, and other places. At Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, armed 
guards patroled the highway, and even shot the stage horses 
to prevent the passage of travelers from the infected dis- 
trict. 

Here Governor ^lason was placed under arrest, as at 
night he passed along the old Chicago turnpike in the dis- 
charge of his duties. For weeks Detroit witnessed a veri- 
table reign of terror. 

Many died. Among the victims was the Rev. Gabriel 
Richard, who for many weeks before his death had been 
Death of everywhere present, giving material aid and 
Father Spiritual consolation to the people. But with 

Richard ^j-^^ coming fall the community was freed from 

the ravages of the scourge, and the following spring affairs 
assumed their usual tenor. 

People Again Took an Interest in civic and social 
aft'airs. A company of actors opened a theatre at Detroit, 
and gave nightly entertainments. 

Black Hawk, under military escort returning from the 
east, where he had been conducted to see the power of the 
government, stopped at Detroit, and was for a few days the 
object of interest and the topic of conversation. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 143 

In the year 1833, the legislative council made a change in 
the judicial system by creating a circuit court for that por- 
Circuit , tion of Michigan territory east of the lake, and 
Courts outside of the present limits of Wayne county. 

To the judgeship of this circuit 

William A. Fletcher of Detroit was appoixited. 

This circuit embraced the counties of ^lonroe, Lenawee, 
St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, 
Washtenaw, Oakland, St. Clair, and ^Macomb. Two side 
judges in each county lent their dignity to the court, and 
Three were a quorum for the transaction of certain 

Judges business. No person charged with an offense 

above the degree of a misdemeanor could be asked to stand 
trial in the absence of the circuit judge. 

To be in the circuit. Judge Fletcher took up his residence 
at Ann Arbor. For riding this extensive circuit, holding 
court in pioneer school houses, and occasionally sending the 
jury to deliberate under the shade of a tree. Judge Fletcher 
received the salary of $1,000 per year. 

The Supreme Court of the Territory continued to exist 
as such, and its functions as a circuit court were likewise 
retained and exercised under the name of superior circuit 
court. 

On the 28th of June, 1834, congress attached all of the 
territory west of the Mississippi River, and north and east 
of the Missouri and W^hite-Earth rivers to the territory of 
Michigan. The questions of a state government were now 
State forcing themselves upon the people of the ter- 

Govern- ritory, and becoming the topic of public discus- 

ment sion. It was generally conceded that, before 

the close of the year, active measures would be taken toward 
that end. 

While the public mind was so occupied, the people were 



144 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

again disturbed by a second visitation of the cholera. It 
claimed Governor Porter as one of its victims, and the mor- 
tality in a single month was one-seventh of the population. 

The death of Governor Porter was a great loss to the 
territory. He had been but a short time among its people, 
but had given many evidences of his sterling qualities. 

The Territory Was Approaching conditions where his 
conservative counsel would have been of great value. The 
place of governor was never filled, although Henry D. Gil- 
pin was nominated, but not confirmed for the position. 

Until a complication with Ohio called for the intervention 
of the President, Stevens T. Mason continued the acting 
governor of the territory. 

The territorial council, at its session in September, 1834, 
The County set oft the territory that had recently been 
of Iowa attached to ^lichigan into the counties of 

Dubuque and Des ]\Ioines, and placed them in a circuit with 
the previously formed county of Iowa. 

A Census Now Showed that the original territory of 
Michigan had a population of 87,273 inhabitants, nearly 
thirty thousand more than required by the ordinance for the 
establishment of a state government. The territory west of 
the lake had likewise received a considerable immigration, 
and now possessed sufficient population to entitle it to an 
independent territorial government. Accordingly, in De- 
cember, the territorial council memorialized congress to 
establish a 

Territorial Government for Wisconsin. This was not 
done until July 4. 1836. On January 26, 1835, legislative 
action was taken looking to the formation of a constitution 
and the organization of a state government. 

It will be recalled that the east and west Ordinance line, 
as fixed in the event of congress' adopting the five state plan 
for the northwest, was to be an east and west line drawn 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 145 

through the southerly bend, or extreme, of Lake [Michigan. 
This Hne was fixed as the southerly boundary of the terri- 
tory when it was created in 1805. In 1S02, when the state 
of Ohio was admitted, her authorities were seemingly suspic- 
ious that such a line as a northern boundary would not give 
the state all the harbor facilities on Lake Erie that she 
desired-. 

In Ohio's constitution a proviso was, therefore, inserted 
to the effect that, in case the Ordinance line should be found 
Northern to intersect Lake Erie east of the mouth of the 
Boundary ]\Iaumee river, with the consent of congress, 
of Ohio iYlq boundary should be a straight line running 

from the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan to the most 
-northerly cape of ]\Iaumee bay. To this proposed change 
congress had never given its consent. 

The Ordinance Provided that the line should not be 
changed except by common consent. To such consent the 
people of Michigan had never been a party. Congress had 
practically refused consent by creating ^Michigan territory 
with its southern boundary in opposition to the Ohio pro- 
vision. 

In 181 7, the northern line as desired by Ohio was run and 
a year later the Ordinance line was marked. These lines 
bore the names of their respective surveyors. The line 
claimed by Ohio was known as the Harris Line. The Ordi- 
nance Line was called the Fulton Line. 

The Disputed Territory, therefore, was a strip of land 
from Indiana to Lake Erie, five miles wide at the west and 
eight miles wide at the east, the strip containing 468 square 
miles. For thirty years it had been under the jurisdiction 
of the territory of Alichigan. 

In 1822, the counties of ^Monroe and Lenawee had their 
southern limits set at the Fulton Line. In 1827, the town- 
10 



146 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

ship of Port Lawrence, including all the disputed territory, 
was created in the county of Monroe. 

The Legislative Authorities of Michigan had con- 
structed roads within the district. In 1833, they granted 
the franchise for a road terminating at Port Lawrence (now 
Toledo), and the authority of Michigan officials had never 
been questioned. 

Ohio was now engaged upon works of internal improve- 
ment. The mouth of the Maumee was the logical terminus 
of the Erie and Miami Canal, and the authorities of Ohio 
desired that it be within their state. 

The action of the people of Michigan preparatory to hold- 
ing a constitutional convention aroused the Ohio legislature. 
In February, in pursuance of a message from Governor 
Lucas of that state, they passed a series of acts seeking to 
extend the jurisdiction of Ohio over the land in question. 

Upon the receipt of the information at Detroit, the legis- 
Dispute lative council, by advice of Governor Mason, 

Between enacted a law whereby it was made highly 
State penal for any person to accept or exercise pub- 

Authorities |-^ Q^^g within the territory, except through 
the authorities of the United States or Michigan. 

On Saturday, April 4, 1835, the electors of the territory 
chose delegates to a constitutional convention which met 
at Detroit on the second Monday in May. The action of 
the authorities of Ohio was creating much hostile feeling. 
It was very apparent that the people of Michigan would not 
consent to the extension of Ohio's limits without a contest. 
That a few thousand people of a territory, with a 

Governor Just Out of His Teens, should presume to 
question the right of a great state with a ''million of free- 
men," as her governor put it in a proclamation, seemed very 
galling to Ohio statesmen. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. U7 

Governor Mason had referred the matter to the President, 
and had obtained the opinion of the Atto'-ney General of the 
United States sustaining Michigan's position. 

General Joseph W. Brown, commanding the territorial 
The Toledo militia, had been ordered by the Governor to 
"W'ar be ready to resent Ohio's threatened assumption 

of jurisdiction. 

The territorial council made an appropriation to maintain 
the supremacy of the laws of the territory, and the Ohio 
legislature appropriated $300,000.00 to back Governor 
Lucas. 

Commissioners Were Appointed by Ohio to re-mark 
the ''Harris Line." This they attempted to do, but were 
interrupted by the sheriff of Lenawee county with an armed 
force. Some were placed under arrest, and some escaped 
to Perrysburg, a volley from the Wolverine muskets accel- 
erating the speed with which the latter departed. The 
matter soon became very troublesome for President Jackson. 

A Presidential Election was approaching. Michigan 
was a territory without voice in the contest. Her position 
was fortified by the highest legal authority of the nation, but 
Ohio was a powerful state. 

Indiana and Illinois were both interested, for they them- 
selves had already done what Ohio was attempting. For 
a time the President favored Governor Mason, but the temp- 
tation to yield to power rather than to duty eventually 
prevailed. 

The President appointed Richard Rush of Philadelphia, 
Commis- ^-^^ Benjamin C. Howard of Baltimore, two 
sioners eminent gentlemen, as commissioners to pro- 

Appointed ceed to the seat of trouble and effect some kind 
by the Qf ^j-j adjustment. 

President Toledo was the object of contention, and it 



148 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

was undlvidable. Messrs. Rush and Howard sought to 
bring about a concurrent jurisdiction of the state of Ohio 
and the territory of Michigan, allowing the people of the 
disputed district to resort to either, as they saw fit, until the 
whole matter could be referred to congress. 

As Michigan was already exercising the whole jurisdic- 
tion. Governor Mason emphatically refused to share it with 
Ohio, and the efforts of the commissioners came to naught. 

No considerable difficulties marked the summer. As Sep- 
tember approached the authorities of Ohio seemingly 
believed that their cause would be benefited by some act of 
jurisdiction within the disputed territory. 

The Ohio Legislature, at its last special session, having 
gone through the formalities of organizing it into the county 
of Lucas, it was proposed to hold a session of court at 
Toledo, to show to the world that the county in fact existed. 

Troops Were Levied to protect the court, and to uphold 
the jurisdiction of Ohio. Governor Mason, who, with the 
people of Michigan, was intensely in earnest, ordered out 
the Michigan forces. Under General Joseph W. Brown, 
A Blood- about 1,000 strong they proceeded to Toledo, 
less War accompanied by Governor Mason. The Ohio 
forces did not come beyond Perrysburg. 

If the court was held, the disorder with which the magis- 
trate and officials sought safety on the south of the "Fulton 
Line" when it was rumored that the Michigan boys were 
approaching, must have deprived the incident of most of its 
value as a precedent. 

The Michigan troops stayed but a few days upon the 
border, when they were disbanded and took themselves to 
their various homes. 

The "Toledo War" was not without its amusing inci- 
dents. It formed the basis, of many songs and stories, and 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 149 

now, when time has removed the bitterness, they are about 
all that remain of the affair. 

At the time, it was the occasion of intense feeling through- 
out the territory. It was while Michigan troops were at 
Toledo that Governor Mason received the intelligence that 
he had been removed from office, and that the president had 
appointed 

John Horner of Virginia in his place. The position was 
first offered to Charles Shaler of Pennsylvania, who declined. 

Governor Mason's course had been very popular with the 
people. Indeed, a governor or a community with any pride 
or spirit could not have acted differently. 

The reception accorded Mr. Horner by the people of 
Michigan was anything but cordial. His manner was far 
Gov. irom conciliatory. He proceeded to pardon all 

Mason's persons under arrest for violating the jurisdic- 

Successor ^Jq^ of the territory, and gave the people the 
impression that his only purpose in Michigan was to pro- 
mote Ohio's cause. 

It was his misfortune not to understand the situation or 
the temper of the people. It was likewise a matter of regret 
that the people, in turn, lost few opportunities to show 
their disrespect. 

At Ypsilanti, one night, they stoned his lodging place. 
Fortunately, this incident was exceptional. The less belliger- 
ent invented songs and jokes at the expense of the new 
governor that were quite as effective agents of disrespect 
as sticks and stones. 

In October, 1835, the constitution which the convention 
of the preceding May had formulated, was formally adopted 
by a vote of the people. 

For a time John Horner remained at Detroit, under 



150 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

instructions from the President, refusing to recognize the 
Michigan new government. He insisted upon his official 
Becomes rights and privileges as secretary of the terri- 
a State tory, but his services were neither sought nor 

his orders obeyed. With the setting up of the territorial 
government in Wisconsin, Horner went to that portion of 
the country. 

It is due him to say that in his new field he displayed 
talents and abilities that were to the advantage of the people 
whom he served. To the end of a long life, he was one of 
the honored and respected citizens of Wisconsin, 

As a State Charter the great jurist. Judge James V. 
Campbell, has paid it the high compliment of his approval 
as being much better suited to the changing necessities of 
the state than the one by which it was superseded fifteen 
years later. 

The same election that ratified the constitution elected 
Stevens T. Mason governor, Edward ]\Iundy of Ann Arbor 
First State lieutenant governor, and Isaac E. Crary of Mar- 
Officers shall, representative in congress. A legislature 
and U. S. -^yas chosen which convened in November. 
Senators Among their first acts was the election of 
Lucius Lyon of Grand Rapids and John Norvel of Detroit 
as senators. Some legislation was enacted, but the organiza- 
tion of courts was postponed until July, 1836. 

The legislature then adjourned to January i, 1836. believ- 
ing that, by that time, the necessary enabling act admitting 
the state would be passed by congress. At the opening of 
the congressional session our national representatives 
appeared, hoping to be admitted to their seats. The ques- 
tion of admission became the subject of violent opposition. 

The Admission of the State without qualification would 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 151 

have left the question of the southern boundary to the decis- 
ion of the United States supreme court. 

This Michigan desired, but Ohio, Indiana, and Ilhnois 
did not. The Ohio delegation protested, no doubt, with 
The some effect. The slavery question, the admis- 

Southern sion of Arkansas, was the more potent factor 
Boundary in the congressional controversy. At last the 
Question ^^^g ^^^ ^^ic admission of both states were 
passed, and both received executive approval on the 15th of 
June, 1836. The act for the admission of Arkansas was 
unconditional. In the case of Michigan, an ingenious plan 
was devised, not only for the admission of the state, but 
fixing the Harris Line as the northern boundary of Ohio. 

Michigan Was to Be Admitted when, through a popu- 
lar convention duly chosen, she accepted the southern boun- 
dary as claimed by Ohio and Indiana. 

Shortly before the passage of the bill, upon the suggestion 
of a senator of South Carolina, the upper peninsula, seem- 
ingly as compensation for the loss of territory to Ohio, was 
included as a part of the new state. The act expressly recog- 
The Upper nized our state existence and the validity of 
Peninsula the election of our two senators and representa- 
tives, but as a state out of the Union, and provided that it 
should stay out until the conditions imposed were accepted. 

In the meantime, Michigan had organized her judicial 
system which went into effect July i. Congress had made 
provision for a district court, district attorney, and marshal. 
The president had named, and the senate confirmed the 
incumbent, but this act was not to take effect until Michigan 
gave her assent to the act of admission. 

This action of congress aroused great popular feeling 
throughout the state. Governor Mason convened the legis- 
lature in extra session in July. It made provision for the 



152 HISTORY OF ^IICHIGAX. 

calling of a convention to pass upon the question of assent 
to the conditions imposed by congress. 

Delegates were duly chosen, and met at Ann Arbor on 
September 4. It has always been known as "The First Con- 
The First vention of Assent." By a vote of twenty-eight 
Convention to twenty-one assent was refused. Addresses 
of Assent ^q ^j^^ president and the people of the state of 
Michigan were adopted, defending the position which they 
had taken. 

Thus Far Politics Had Exerted little, if any. influence 
in the boundary question. The people of ^lichigan had 
acted quite unanimously. 

The holding of the Wayne county Democratic convention, 
preceding the general election of 1836. and the adoption of 
resolutions by that body urging the calling of a second con- 
vention to consider the question of assent, gave the question 
its first political coloring. 

The convention adopted a resolution setting forth some 
evils feared from remaining out of the Union, and recom- 
mended that the other counties of the state call meetings to 
give like expression and petition the governor to issue a 
proclamation, recommending the election of delegates to a 
second convention of assent. 

Washtenaw county and other counties called like meetings 
and transmitted their views to the governor. Many reasons 
were urged why Michigan should accept the conditions. 

It was urged that unless her assent was given before 
January i, ensuing, that the state would lose its propor- 
Anxietyto tionate share of the distribution of the pro- 
Become ceeds from the sale of public lands ; that the 
a Part of slave power would have a preponderating 
the Union influence in the United States senate ; that the 
state was retarding its own development. On the other 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 153 

hand, by acceding to the terms imposed, large grants of 
pubHc lands might be secured from the general government 
whereby its progress and prosperity could be greatly fos- 
tered. 

The hopelessness of the contest was beginning to dawn 
upon the people. Last of all, a congressman, t^vo senators, 
and several federal appointees were anxious to come into 
the honors of their several offices. 

The state was without legal machiner}- wherewith to pro- 
ceed. Laws had been enacted for a convention. It had met, 
discharged its functions, and adjourned. There was no law 
for another. 

To Meet the Situation, the governor in a public com- 
munication gave direction to the idea of the people's pro- 
ceeding in their ''original capacity/' A Wayne count}- com- 
mittee issued a circular requesting the electors of the various 
townships to meet on the 5th and 6th days of December to 
choose delegates to a second convention to meet at Ann 
Arbor on December 14. The elections were held, and on the 
date specified the famous 

"Frost=bitten Convention," as it has ever been called, 
assembled at Ann Arbor. Many townships held no elec- 
The Frost- tions, but eighteen out of the then twent}--t\vo 
Bitten counties were represented. On December 15th 

Convention ^\-^q convention adjourned, ha\4ng passed the 
required resolution assenting to the condition imposed by 
congress. 

The assent was the occasion of much political agitation. 
The \M'iigs sought for advantage in the inglorious back- 
down of the young governor, whose action the democrats 
as vigorously defended. 

Congress Seemed as Anxious as were the people of 
^Michigan to be rid of the question, and finally accepted it 



154 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

as a sufficient compliance, and passed the bill for the admis- 
sion of the state. This bill became a law on the 26th of Jan- 
uary, 1837. When admitted, the state was recognized as 
having existed since November, 1835. 

Thus Michigan Became the Twenty=sixth State in the 
Federal Union. For more than a century and a half, civil- 
ization had struggled on our soil. Here considerable com- 
munities were flourishing before the valley of the Ohio 
could boast a white man's habitation; but of all the vast 
territory of the northwest, Michigan was the last, except- 
ing Wisconsin, to be admitted to statehood. 

A hundred thousand people were now within her borders. 
They were young, vigorous, and energetic. They had come 
from the east to carve out homes, and build a state in the 
wonderful west. They never undervalued their responsi- 
bility nor doubted their ability, but went forward with an 
unquestioning confidence. 

REVIEW. 

Of what stock and character were the pioneers of Michigan? How were 
the settlers supplied with news? When and where was Black Hawk's war? 
What was Michigan's part? Describe the ravages of the scourge which swept 
Michigan in 1832. What changes in the judicial system were made in 1833? 
Compare Judge Fletcher's work and salary with that of a circuit judge at the 
present time. What was the superior circuit court? Bound Michigan as it 
existed in July, 1834? State some of the topics which her people were discuss- 
ing. Who was Porter, Gilpin? Who was acting governor? When was the 
census taken? How is provision made for it? What did this census show 
of Michigan? How had Congress established the southern boundary of our 
territory? Why was there dissatisfaction over this? Where was the Harris 
Line? Why had Michigan superior claims to the disputed territory, and upon 
what were they based? Give an account of the legislative war over the bound- 
ary. How did Governor Mason aid Michigan's cause? Why was the boundary 
question troublesome to the president? Who was the president? How did he 
seek to effect an adjustment? What resulted? Where was Lucas county, 
Ohio? Why was a court established at Toledo? How did Michigan regard 
the establishment? What was this boundary war called? Who was John 
Horner and why was he unpopular in iMichigan? How was he treated? When 
was the first constitution of Michigan adopted? Name as many as you can 
of Michigan's first state officials. Who were the first U. S. _ senators 
chosen, and how and when were they elected? Why was the admission of 
Michigan as a state opposed by Congress? What were the final terms upon 
which Michigan was admitted? How did some , of Congress' action affect 
popular feeling in the state? Give an account of the "First Convention of 
Assent" and its work. Give some reasons advanced why Michigan should 
accept the conditions imposed by Congress? Give an account of the calling 
and meeting of the "Frost Bitten Convention." In what ways had Michigan 
been an important factor in the great northwest? 



CHAPTER XL 

Statehood and Its Trials. 

The Constitution Adopted was, in many ways, well 
suited to meet the requirements of a growing community. 
It embraced a comprehensive bill of rights ; simple but ample 
provisions were made for the legislature, executive, and 
judicial branches of the state government. 

This constitution enjoined upon the legislature the organ- 
ization of the militia, the creation of a system of common 
Powers schools, and the duty of providing for internal 

Guaranteed improvements. It safeguarded the funds set 
by the apart for the support of the university and 

Consti- primary schools, providing that the interest only 

^ °^ . should be applicable to such uses. Few limita- 

tions were placed upon the power of the legislature. That 
body was left quite free from such restraining provisions 
as were later incorporated into the constitution of 1850. 

The Instrument Reflected the Distrust which people 
had for corporations, by providing that the legislature 
should pass no act of incorporation unless with the assent of 
at least two-thirds of each house. 

The provision fixing the qualifications of an elector as 
''every white male citizen above the age of twenty-three 
years, having resided in the state six months next preceding 
any election," was the occasion of the most opposition to the 
constitution both in the convention, among the people, and 
later in congress. 

It became something of a party question, the whigs oppos- 
ing and the democrats supporting the provision. Those 

155 



156 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

"Whigs and which, at the present day, appear the most 
Democrats anamolous were the ones makmg all state offi- 
cers and members of the supreme court appointive by the 
Governor, by and with the consent of the state senate. 

The one exception was the office of superintendent of 
public instruction. This nomination was to be confirmed 
by the legislature on joint vote. 

The act of Congress of June 23, 1836, confirmed to the 
state section sixteen of each township for the support of 
the common schools. 

It likewise confirmed the grant of seventy-two sections of 
land for the support of the university, and gave five sec- 
Provisions tions of land to aid in the erection of public 
for Educa- buildings. All salt springs within the state, not 
tional exceeding twelve with six sections of land 

Purposes adjoining, and five per cent, of the net proceeds 
of all sales of public lands within the state from and after 
July I, 1836, were to be appropriated for roads and canals. 

From this grant, Michigan ultimately received about 
1,280,000 acres of primary school, 46,080 of salt spring, 
and 3,200 acres of public building lands. 

Under the Appointment of Governor Masony Kintzing 
Pritchett, a. talented young man who had come to Michigan 
from Pennsylvania with Governor Porter, became secretary 
of state. 

Henry Howard, a leading merchant of Detroit, became 
state treasurer. 

The position of auditor general was conferred upon Robert 
Abbott of Detroit, who had filled the same position under 
State ^^^ territorial government. The appointment of 

Officers attorney general was given to Daniel Le Roy of 

Appointed Pontiac, a man who was among the first to set- 
by Gov. tig [^ Oakland county, and whose abilities had 

ason brought him many positions of trust and honor. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



157 




The office of superintend- 
ent of public instruction was, 
as subsequent events proved, 
most fortunately bestowed 
upon John D. Pierce, a 
young Congregational cler- 
gyman, who a few years be- 
fore, had taken up his resi- 
dence at Marshall. 

General Isaac E. Crary, 
who had been elected the 
member to congress, had 
been a member of the con- 
stitutional convention, and 
chairman of the committee 
ISAAC E. CRART. ou cducatiou. He had 

profited by many suggestions from this cultured and broad 
minded missionary, and when the position was to be filled, 
Czeneral Crary secured the appointment for him. His great 
work for Michigan deserves for him more than a passing 
notice. 

The Law for the Creation of our judiciary received its 
approval March 26, 1836. It provided for the establish- 
ment of a supreme and circuit courts. The state was divided 
into three circuits, the first comprising the counties of 
Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, Michilimackinac, and 
Chippewa; the second the counties of Monroe, Lenawee, 
The State Washtenaw, Oakland, Saginaw, Jackson, and 
Judiciary Hillsdale ; while the third included the counties 
of Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Kalamazoo, Allegan, 
Calhoun, and Kent. (See bottom next page.) 

John Davis Pierce was born at Chesterfield, New Hampshire, 
February 18th, 1797. His life was destined to be no royal road. 



158 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



When he was two years of age 
his father died. Eight years 
later, the grandfather, with 
whom he lived at Paxton, 
Massachusetts, also died. Young 
Pierce learned to know that all 
comes from penury and toil. 
For years he knew no schooling- 
other than that furnished by the 
two months winter terms of 
neighboring districts. Privation 
never daunted his courage nor 
dampened his ardor. In 1813, 
with savings amounting to $200, 
he entered Brown university. 
He was compelled to replenish 
his means by teaching each year 
of his course, but he persevered 
and graduated in 1822. , 

By 1824, he had completed his 
theological studies, and in his 
twenty-seventh year he entered 
the ministry. In May, 1831, he 
became a pioneer missionary at 
Marshall, where a year later his 
wife and loyal co-worker died of cholera. 

Pierce thus brought to his work a rare combination of virtues, 
a well stored mind, real culture and a life of hard experiences. 
Knowing even a little of his life we can see that it was personal 
when he wrote, "The blood of the hard-handed laborer is just as 
royal as that of the king on his throne;" and that he was voicing 
a long settled conviction when he said, "Primary schools are the 
main dependence in the attainment of the ideal government of the 
people, by the people." 




JOHN D. PIERCE. 



He Was Appointed on the 26th of July, 1836. He ap- 
plied himself diligently to his task, and by March 20, 1837, 
The Prima- he had formulated, the legislature had passed, 
ry School and the governor had approved a law for the 
System organization and support of primary schools. 

This was the basis of our primary school system. 

The Supreme Court was composed of three judges with 
terms of office of seven years. The members ap- 
pointed were George Morrell of Detroit to the first circuit, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 159 

William A. Fletcher of Ann Arbor to the second, and Epa- 
phroditus Ransom of Kalamazoo to the third. 

They were all men of more than average learning and 
First ability. One of them, Judge Ransom, later 

Judges of became Governor of the state. Judge Fletcher, 
Supreme by reason of being the first member appointed, 
Court became the chief justice. 

Each county elected two associate judges, or ''side 
judges," as they were sometimes called. The member of the 
supreme court for the given circuit rode his circuit, and 
with the two side judges of the county, constituted the cir- 
cuit court. 

Any two judges were a quorum for the transaction of 
business, but no person could be asked to stand trial for an 
offense above the degree of a misdemeanor in the absence 
of the presiding judge. 

The three presiding judges acting as a supreme Court 
were required to hold three terms annually, one at each of 
the cities of Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo. Two 
terms of the circuit court were required to be held yearly in 
each of the several counties. 

Chancery Jurisdiction was delegated to a separate chan- 
cery court, which was required to hold, two terms a year in 
each of the three circuits. This court was presided over by 
a separate judge or chancellor. To this important office 
Governor Mason appointed Elon Farnsworth, or Chancellor 
Farnsworth as he was thereafter better known. 

Mr. Farnsworth was an able jurist, and his career upon 
this bench shed distinguished honor upon himself and the 
A Chancery office. At the memorial services held in his 
Court honor on the occasion of his death, it was stated 

that no decision of his had ever been reversed. 

While Michigan was thus fortunately favored in the orga- 
nization of her institutions, and the selection of officials of 



160 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

honor and high ideals, there were still existing conditions 
destined to postpone the full fruition of her dreams and 
aspirations. 

Michigan Had a Population, in 1837, o^ 174,061 ; twice 
the number three years previous. The people looked for- 
ward with confidence that no distant day would find the state 
a populous and flourishing commonwealth. It was not 
strange that they should entertain such views. 

They had seen the tide of immigration transform the wil- 
derness of Ohio into fair fields and thriving cities, and 
Immigra- swell its population from a few hundred to a 
tion into great state of a million souls. In fewer years, 

Michigan ^|-jgy j^^^^ ^^^^ ^-j-j^ game achievements duplicated 
on the prairies of Indiana and Illinois. 

Now that the tide had turned towards Michigan, they 
believed that, in a brief time, it would equal, if not surpass,, 
the population of its neighbors. 

Although our natural resources were comparatively un- 
known, there were reasons for believing that they would 
equal, if not surpass in richness, those of any other state 
of the northwest. 

A Large Proportion of Our Pioneers had touched the 
Erie Canal in their passage into Michigan, and had become 
witnesses of the wonderful development it had wrought in 
its adjacent regions. National, state, and municipal govern- 
ments were interesting themselves on a canal system to con- 
nect the waters of the Potomac with those of the Ohio. 

Ohio Already Had Projects under way that involved an 
expense of many millions of dollars, and Indiana was em- 
barking upon works equally pretentious. It was a time of 
prosperity, both state and national. Prices were high, and 
everywhere there was confidence in the continuance of good 
times. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 161 

Human wisdom has never been able to forecast either 
industrial or commercial development. In 1836, the great 
possibilities of interstate railways, and the ultimate location 
of the industrial centers were both unknown. 

Local and State Patriotism, as distinguished from nat- 
ional patriotism, was developed to a degree now unknown. 
The people looked to their states, rather than to the national 
government, as the source of power. Such were some of 
the conditions which exerted a marked influence upon the 
first few years of our history. 

One Effect of the Rapidly Increasing Population was 
the speculative values it gave to the wild lands just coming 
upon the market. Eleven counties were organized in the 
A Period of years 1835, 1836, and 1837, ^^^ seventy town- 
Speculation ships were organized at the regular session of 
the legislature of 1837. 

Speculators hurried to the new formed counties, located 
lands, and proceeded to plat cities and villages with streets, 
avenues, and public grounds, among which wolves and 
Indians were the only tenants. There are few sections in 
the southern portion of the state that did not have their full 
share of "paper cities." 

The Legislature Met in January, 1837, and as might be 
expected, reflected the sentiment of the people. All branches 
of the government were ambitious to promote the develop- 
ment of the State, and the enactments of the legislature 
Establish- covered a broad and varied field. One of the 
mentofa acts provided for the appointment of a state 
Geological geologist, and appropriated $29,000 to be 
Survey expended in sums ranging from $3,000, in 

1837, to $12,000, in 1840, for the purposes of a geological 
survey. 
11 



162 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Dr. Douglass Houghton, a young man of eminent scien- 
tific attainments, was appointed state geologist. The name 
of Douglass Houghton will always stand as that of one of 
the pre-eminently great men of Michigan. In 1830, in his 
twenty-first year, at the invitation of Lewis Cass, and others. 
The First he came to Detroit to deliver a series of lectures 
State Geol- on chemistry and geology. He was already a 
ogist graduated physician, and had spent one year as 

a professor of chemistry and natural history in an eastern 
school. 

During his residence at Detroit, he had accompanied 
Henry Schoolcraft on his expedition to the upper Missis- 
sippi. As a practicing 
physician during the 
cholera epidemic of 
1832 and 1834, he had 
won lasting gratitude 
by his example of cour- 
age and kindly service. 
He was largely in- 
strumental in the pas- 
sage of the law creat- 
ing the department, 
and so applied his tal- 
ents that the legisla- 
ture of 1838 gave him 
three assistants, one 
each in zoology, botany, 
and topography. 
Twelve thousand dol- 
lars a year were appro- 
DouGLAss HOUGHTON. prlatcd for the survey 

for the ensuing four 
years. His services in discovering and making known Michi- 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 163 

gan's resources and great possibilities, were of value almost 
beyond computation. His labors extended to the Lake 
Superior region, where he was unfortunately drowned 
October 14, 1845. 

His life sized portrait adorns the wall of representative 
hall in the capitol at Lansing, while his name and memory 
are perpetuated in the charming city and rich county of the 
region his genius did so much to develop. 

The Governor's Message, in 1837, ably seconded the 
report of Superintendent Pierce favoring a comprehensive 
system of education, embracing common schools from which 
every child could pass, by graduations, to the finished 
courses of a crowning university. The legislature followed 
the lead of the superintendent and Governor. The univer- 
sity was given legal existence on March 18, 1837, ^"^ ^"^^ 
days later a law was passed fixing its location at Ann 
Arbor.* Its governing body was to be a board of regents 
Board of consisting of the Governor, lieutenant gov- 
Control of ernor, chancellor, and judges of the supreme 
the court, as ex-officio members ; and twelve regents 

University appointed by the Governor and senate. Pro- 
visions were made for literary, medical, and law depart- 
ments, although only the first was instituted until after the 
lapse of several years. 

The Board of Regents was authorized to erect build- 
ings, when funds should be provided. There were then no 
high schools nor preparatory schools, so the regents were 
empowered to establish university branches. In the 
branches there were to be normal and agricultural courses 
among those of a preparatory nature. Such branches were 
subsequently located at Detroit. Pontiac, Tecumseh, Niles, 
Kalamazoo, Monroe, and White Pigeon. The first class 

*NoTE. — The first location of the University was on Bates street, Detroit, 
between Congress and Lamed streets. 



164 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

entered the university in 1841, facilities at that time having 
been provided at Ann Arbor. 

The Primary School and University Lands were, at 

this time, under the control of the superintendent of public 
instruction. They remained with this officer until trans- 
ferred to the state land office, created in 1844. 

Such was the beginning of the University of Michigan, an 
institution that has grown and developed with the passing 
years, ever standing for high ideals in the intellectual, civic, 
and moral world, until she has carried the name of Michi- 
gan and the influence of her zeal and progress to the fur- 
thermost parts of the earth. 

While engaged in giving form to our educational system, 
and finding by careful survey the resources of the state, 
the legislature was at work upon other matters which, for 
the time being, were of more absorbing interest to the gen- 
eral public. 

This was the beginning of what may be termed the 

Railroad Age, and the people of Michigan were among 
the first to seek to realize the possibilities of railway transpor- 
tation. In 1830, the territorial council had granted incor- 
poration to the Pontiac and Detroit Railway Company. 
This was only about nine months after George Stephenson 
The Build- had made his trial trip with the ''Rocket," the 
ing of first successful locomotive constructed. 

Railroads Although no results seem to have come 

from this venture, a better fate was in store for the Erie 
and Kalamazoo Railway Company, which the territorial 
legislature incorporated, in' 1833. Its road was open for 
traffic from Toledo to Adrian, in 1836. The coaches were 
at first drawn by horses. 

Great was the joy of the people when on January 20, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 165 

1837, the first locomotive, the ''Adrian," arrived from the 
Baldwin Works at Philadelphia. It was the third engine 
sent west of the Alleghany mountains, and the first in the 
northwest. 

The same company was soon at work upon the Palmyra 
and Jacksonburg, which amid enthusiasm and fitting cele- 
The First bration, was open to Tecumseh on August 9, 
Railroad in 1 838. The progenitor of the Detroit, Grand 
Michigan Haven and Milwaukee was in existence as early 
as 1834, and a year later horse cars were furnishing ''rapid 
transit" upon the first twelve miles of its road. 

The national government had already given to the state 
five per cent of the net proceeds from the sales of public 
lands for internal improvements. A more liberal donation 
for the same purpose was realized, in 1841, by the grant of 
500,000 acres of land. Enough had been done in railroad 
construction to demonstrate its practicability. The temper 
of the people was right — their confidence supreme. 

Governor Mason Shared the general enthusiasm. His 
message of 1837 recommended a most liberal policy in the 
direction of internal improvements. The Governor recom- 
mended that the state should become a large stockholder 
in the various enterprises, and thus give material aid to 
their construction, and have a voice in their management. 

The Legislature Entered heartily into the work of state 
development, and even exceeded the liberal designs of the 
Public executive. Had the suggestion of the state's 

Interest in becoming a stockholder in the various projects 
Internal been followed, the result might have been dif- 

Improve- ferent. After much contention, the legislature 
°^®" * determined to build the works wholly at the 

expense of the state treasury, and place their management 
solely under state control. 



166 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The Defect of Such a Policy was soon to appear. 
About this time the legislature of 1837 passed several 
important acts. One bill provided for the survey of three 
railroads across the state. 

The first was to extend from Detroit to the mouth of the 
St. Joseph River, and to be known as the Central ; the sec- 
ond to connect the navigable waters of the River Raisin 
and Lake Michigan at New Buffalo, to be called the South- 
Three ^^"' ^^^ third was to have its termini at the 
Projected mouth of Black River in the county of St. 
Roads Clair, and Grand River in the county of Kent, 
Across the qj- dipper Lake Michigan in the county of 
Ottawa. 

In this act, surveys were provided for canals to connect 
the waters of the Clinton and Kalamazoo rivers, and that 
of the Saginaw with either the Maple or the Grand. 

Another act directed the Governor to negotiate a loan of 
five million dollars upon the bonds of the state, the pro- 
ceeds to be paid into the treasury for the purposes of inter- 
nal improvements. The first act, as reported from the com- 
mittee, had made provision for only one road, the Central 
from Detroit westward. 

Here the defect of building solely from the state treasury 
appeared. Every legislator brought forward the claim of 
his constituents to a share in the blessings that were to flow 
from the expenditure for which all were to be taxed, and so 
three roads were undertaken instead of one. 

We can now see the five million loan would have given 
but little more than a respectable beginning. 

So Extensive a Scheme of internal improvement was 
doomed to failure. Some of the projects were visionary, 
and others, although desirable, were projected into regions 
far in advance of the demands of business or population. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 107 

Besides the financial sky was darkening, and portends of 
disaster were fast gathering. 

The Currency of the Country had not yet assumed a 
safe and stable basis, and the crudest of notions as to bank- 
ing prevailed. 

In the territorial days, the money paid by the government 
to its soldiers, officers, and to public enterprises with bills 
of the Ohio banks, which found their way to the border 
towns, constituted the bulk of the currency. 

The Bank of Michigan, at Detroit, chartered in 1817, 
had for many years afforded all the banking facilities de- 
The First manded by the people. It had started with a 
Banking paid in capital of $10,000. This amount was 

Institution seemingly sufficient until 1824. It was then 
increased to $20,000. From time to time it received other 
accretions, until it could claim a half million at its close, in 
1842. 

The Bank of Monroe began business in 1827, and be- 
fore the close of 1834 three more were granted charters. 
Two of them, the Farmers and Mechanics and the Michigan 
Insurance Company, were in Detroit. 

Events of a National Character were now transpiring 
that hastened the organization of state banks. It was dur- 
ing these years that the bitter contest was waged between 
Jackson President Jackson and the Bank of the United 

and the States. 

United In 1 833, he had ordered the withdrawal of 

States ^YiQ public funds deposited with it. Bills to 

^" recharter it were vetoed by him, and it was 

evident that its demise was not far distant. 

The Government Funds were deposited in the state 
banks of the country, which were now left in full control 
of the banking field. 



168 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

In 1834, the Bank of Michigan and the Farmers and 
Mechanics Bank of Detroit became depositories of govern- 
ment funds to the amount of $1,500,000. 

Before Michigan Was Formally Admitted into the 
Union, there were fifteen banks within its borders whose 
aggregate nominal capital was $7,000,000. 

Their actual capital was less than $1,500,000, yet it 
seemed quite sufficient to answer the necessities of the new 
Other State state. Under normal conditions, there would 
Banks perhaps have been no demand for an increase 

in capital of the banks, but the displacement of the Bank 
of the United States, the wide distribution of the deposits 
of the government, the chartering of numerous state banks 
with powers to issue bills, brought on a period of inflation, 
and induced the wildest speculation. 

Money Was Plentiful. It seemed a time of great pros- 
perity, and few sought to analyze its basis. They believed 
that it was the result of the unprecedented emigration and 
the demands it had created. 

The reaction came all too soon. On July ii, 1836, Presi- 
dent Jackson issued his famous specie circular, requiring 
that the dues to the government, as payments for public 
Payment lands, should be made in gold and silver. 
for Public The ultimate result of this action, as a step 

Lands jj^ ^j^g establishment of a sound currency, was 

highly beneficial, but its first effects were quite otherwise. 

It sent the bank bills to the banks for redemption, com- 
pelled them to call in their circulation, and thus brought on 
a period of contraction and hard times. 

The First Effects of a money stringency were apparent 
in the autumn of 1836, and the people were soon voicing 
their expressions of displeasure against the banks. They 
were called ''moneyed monopolies," and by the unthinking 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 169 

portion of the population charged with conspiring to 
increase their profits through oppression. 

Just how much the legislature was influenced by popular 
feeling against the banks, is not known. 

That it was an influence felt -to some extent was quite 
apparent, for one of the first acts to pass the legislature of 
Laws to ^^37 ^^^ "^" ^^^ ^o organize and regulate 

Regulate banking associations." 

Banking Heretofore banks had been created by spe- 

Associa- q[^i ^(.^ q£ ^j-,^ legislature, now it was designed 
to provide for their organization under a gen- 
eral law. The act was copied from a similar law recently 
enacted in New York, which had not yet demonstrated its 
virtue or efficiency. 

There Have Been Efforts made to' charge all the mis- 
fortune which followed from this law to the Governor. 
The fact is, there were but two members of the legislature 
that offered consistent opposition to its passage. 

Every message of the Governor dwelt upon the subject, 
and deprecated the evil effects of excessive bank issues, 
He emphasized the fact that real value could never be the 
produce of other than productive labor. 

The law provided that any twelve freeholders of a 
county might make application to the treasurer and clerk of 
the county to open books for stock subscription for a bank- 
ing association. The capital stock was fixed at not less 
than $50,000, nor more than $300,000. 

No association could commence operations until the 
whole capital stock was subscribed, and thirty per cent in 
Amounts specie actually paid in. One-third of the cap- 
Required to ital stock was to be subscribed for and held by 
Form residents of the county. In addition, the stock 

Banks holders were required to pay in ten per cent 

every six months until the whole amount was paid. 



170 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Each Association was authorized to issue bills or notes 
and make loans to the amount of two and one-half times 
the amount of the capital stock. Each association was man- 
aged by a board of nine directors. 

Before commencing business, they were required to give 
security to the auditor general in the form of a bond or real 
estate mortgage to the full amount of their circulation. 

A Safety Fund was created by a tax of one-half of one 
per cent, payable to the treasurer of the state. This fund 
was to protect loans where the security did not prove ample. 

Provision was made for frequent reports and inspection 
by the banking commissioner, and the framers of the law 
Bank no doubt believed that every possible safeguard 

Inspection had been provided. But the laws of banking 
were not generally understood, and there were defects in 
the law which left the way open for the grossest frauds. 

Almost before the legislature of 1837 had adjourned, 

The Great Panic of that year was upon the country. The 
demand upon the banks for the redemption of their notes 
in specie precipitated the crash. The effects were first felt 
at the great business centers of the east. 

The legislature of New York authorized the banks of that 
The Finan- state to suspend specie payments for a time, 
cial Panic which they did on the 9th of May. 
of 1837 Other states followed the example of New 

York. On the 12th of June the legislature of Michigan 
was convened in extra session to consider the same action. 

Ten days later a similar law was passed suspending, until 
the i6th of the following May, those provisions of law 
whereby proceedings could be taken to forfeit the charter 
and close the bank in consequence of a refusal to pay its 
notes or debts in specie. 

It provided that the notes of a bank could be offset 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 171 

against any suit brought upon notes or drafts discounted 

^ . ^ ^. by it. It restricted the circulation of banks 
Legislative -^ , . . . 

Attempts already organized, and limited their circulation 

to Relieve to one and one-half times the specie in their 

the Finan- vaults. 

^^^^ _ ^ During the period of suspension, the sale or 

disposal of any gold or silver by a bank and 

the purchase of its bills, or the bills of any other bank, at a 

discount were to work a forfeiture of the charter of the 

bank offending. 

The Powers of the Banking Commissioner were 
enlarged to enforce these provisions. He was given the right 
to demand additional security for the redemption of a 
bank's circulation, and to forfeit the charter and close such 
banks as might be found in a ''dangerous or insolvent" con- 
dition. 

It was the purpose of the legislature to keep the specie 
within the state until financial affairs assumed their normal 
status. It sought to make the paper representative, the 
notes of the banks, circulate at par among the people. 
The result was that banks were allowed to organize and do 
business while they could not be required to redeem their 
notes. 

In nine months, forty banks began business with a nom- 
inal capital of $3,115,000. With the fifteen charter banks 
previously organized, there existed a bank for about every 
three thousand five hundred of the population. 

The General Banking Law was amended in December, 
and three commissioners were provided who were to 
examine every bank once in three months. Some of the banks 
were honestly organized and conducted. The greater por- 
tion were creatures of every species of dishonesty. 

The Commissioners Were Honest and Capable, but 



172 • HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

they were obliged to labor under great difficulties. Many 
of the banks were located in remote and inaccessible places. 

Many places in the state now little more than country 
crossroads, in the days of 1837 and 1838 could boast a 
Difficulties banking association of pretentious name and 
Which nominal capital. 

Beset the It would be difficult now for the average per- 

Bank Com- gon to locate, from name, the Bank of Brest, 
missioners ^^^ Bank of Singapore, the Bank of Kensing- 
ton, and others, which in their day were issuing money, and 
were the principal institutions of the ''cities" whose names 
they bore. 

All but four of the banking associations issued bills. In 
some instances, the capital was not paid in. Notes were 
issued largely in excess of the lawful limit. 

Specie That Was Counted by the commissioner at one 
bank was carted ahead to be on hand in the vault of a con- 
federate bank when the commissioners, traveling at slower 
pace, arrived. The notes of such banks were taken to dis- 
tant places and paid in purchase for whatever property 
could be obtained. 

The criminality of many persons connected with the 
"wild cat banks" was astounding. The commissioners 
Wild Cat were energetic and faithful. As fast as dis- 
Banks honesty was discovered, the banks were 

enjoined and receivers placed in charge, but it was generally 
not until after their notes were in the hands of innocent 
people. 

The receiver frequently found that the specie had mys- 
teriously disappeared, and that the security which was to 
secure the circulation was worthless. 

But one bank filed notice of its organization with the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 173 

secretary of state after May i6, 1838, the date fixed for the 
resumption of specie payment. 

Many of the Banks did not make a pretense of redeem- 
ing their bills, and they became a total loss. The exact 
loss from the ''wild cat banks" is not known, but it was 
estimated by the commissioners, in 1839, that there was 
a million dollars of the bills of insolvent banks outstanding. 
The loss to Michigan was sufficiently serious to oppress her 
people, and hamper her progress for many years. 

Wild Cat Banking was not an institution peculiar to 

Michigan alone. For a season these banks throve in New 

_ ,_ .. York and came to be known as ''Red Dogs," 
"Red Dogs" , ., . , 1 . 1 1 • . 

while m other states their ephemeral existence 

was the occasion for names equally expressive of their 

character. 

They were the creatures of no party's policy. They had 
their growth in the prevailing ignorance of sound financial 
principles, which the people had to learn in the hard school 
of experience. 

The People of Michigan learned what Governor Mason 
frequently emphasized in his messages, that wealth comes 
Gov. from productive labor, and that a community 

Mason's cannot be made rich by the printing of bank 
Advice notes. The desirability of a uniform currency 

was impressed upon the country, and a httle later was 
evolved the sub-treasury as it exists today, it having been 
first suggested by Van Buren, in 1840. 

While the finances of the. country were so deeply dis- 
turbed, it became necessary to negotiate the five million 
dollar loan, for which the legislature had made provision 
at the same session at which it had inaugurated the scheme 
of internal improvements and passed the general banking 
law. 



B 



174 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The Governor Was Wholly Unprepared to execute a 
mission of the character the law placed upon him, as many 
important matters were demanding his attention. 

In 1838, he sent a message to the state senate calling 
A Five their attention to the law which had been passed, 

Million making it incumbent upon him to negotiate the 

Dollar loan. He asked that he be relieved from the 

°^^ duties, and requested that a commission be 

created for this purpose. 

For some reason, the legislature failed to act upon the 
suggestion, so the work was left to the young governor. 
He was forced to rely upon eastern financiers, and others 
of reputed legal and financial abilities in Detroit. 

The advice that these persons gave was not always dis- 
interested and was sometimes unscrupulous. An effort to 
negotiate the bonds in England and with the Rothschilds 
failed by reason of their not being made payable in sterling 
exchange. 

A Contract Was Finally Made with the Morris Canal 
and Banking Company of New Jersey by which, at their 
Sale of option, they were to become either the pur- 

State chasers of the bonds or the agents for their sale. 

Bonds jTqj. their commission, they were to receive 

two ane one-half per cent. 

The State Was in Urgent Need of funds for work 
already begun, and it was as good, if not a better, figure 
than neighboring states had obtained upon their bonds, but 
misfortune seemed to attend every phase of the state loan. 

It was before the days of express companies. When the 
Morris Canal and Banking Company delivered the first 
installment of $250,000, it was placed in a trunk and 
brought to Detroit under guard of Governor Mason and a 
lawyer companion. 

When the trunk was turned over to the bank and its con- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 175 

tents counted, it was found that some five thousand dollars 
Fraud ^^^ mysteriously disappeared. The governor 

Discovered had the money returned to the trunk, and 
by Gov. notice was publicly given of the theft. Informa- 

Mason ^-^^^ ^^^ given that the bills bore a private 

mark by which they would be known if put in circulation. 

In a few days the bills, except one of twenty dollars, were 
mysteriously returned by mail to the Morris Canal and 
Banking Company. The incident was the occasion of much 
public scandal. 

The Morris Canal and Banking Company soon sold, 
or sub-contracted, three million of the bonds to the United 
States Bank of Pennsylvania. All of the bonds were in the 
hands of these two corporations, and the state, by agree- 
ment, was drawing against them for stipulated installments 
by ninety-day drafts. When not more than one-half of the 
Failure of face value of the bonds had been realized, a 
Banking suspension of specie payment was again gen- 

Companies gj-^i throughout the country. 

Both banks defaulted in their payments and ultimately 
became bankrupt. The state now found that the banks had 
dishonestly hypothecated the bonds, upon which they had 
made no payment, to the amount of nearly two and one-half 
million, to secure their own debts. 

This condition was a serious blow to the people's cher- 
ished scheme of internal improvement in Michigan. 

Failure and Bankruptcy was chronic throughout the 
country. Had Michigan borne only her share with the 
country at large her people would have found the burden 
grievous. Added to the general condition, was the burden 
Burden- of a debt of more than five millions for only 

some Debts half of which she had received consideration. 

Even the half received had been expended in works that, 
for some time, could not be self-supporting. To follow the 



176 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

tedious details of the five million loan, and the state's work 
of internal improvements would be to little purpose. 

The bonds upon which the state had received full pay- 
ment were recognized as obligations to be paid in full, both 
principal and interest. The bonds upon which the state had 
received but part payment were recognized as obligations 
only to the amount received. The state, upon their surren- 
der, issued new bonds for the amounts equitably due upon 
them. 

The holders of the last mentioned bonds were slow to 
State Debts accept this adjustment, but ultimately all did 
Paid so, and all such bonds were retired. Although 

in Full [^ ^as a trying ordeal, the people of Michigan 

never for a moment contemplated repudiation. 

They Loyally Kept Their Contracts, paid their debts, 
and saved their credit and their honor. 

The work on the Central and the Southern Railways was 
still prosecuted with abated vigor, but the other works 
The Central of internal improvement were discontinued. 
and the The half million acres of public lands, which 

Southern had been granted to the state by the general 
Railroads government for internal improvements were 
now the only source from which to draw funds to continue 
operations. 

In 1846, the Central road was completed as far as Kala- 
mazoo, and the Southern as far as Hillsdale. 

The People Were Now Weary of the projects into 
which they had gone with so much enthusiasm eight years 
before. Their plans had been in advance of the commer- 
cial needs of the state, entailing burdens beyond their abili- 
ties to bear. The conviction had grown that such works 
could be more economically prosecuted through private or 
corporate enterprise. 

Certain Boston Capitalists purchased the Central road 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 177 

for $2,000,000, and chartered the Michigan Central Rail- 
road Company for its operation. 

The Southern road was sold to a company of gentlemen, 
Sale of ^^^ most of whom were from Monroe, for the 

Road to sum of $500,000. One would suppose that the 

Private opening of a new country, ''wild cat banks," 

Corporation ^^^ internal improvements, would have 
absorbed all the energy of the Michigan pioneer, but such 
did not seem to be the case. 

The Spirit of the Revolution and the war of 1812 had 
not yet wholly disappeared. Many people still entertained 
an unfriendly feeling toward Great Britain, so that when 
the Canadian rebellion broke out in 1837, it found many 
sympathizers along our national border. 

Michigan, by reason of its proximity, was a favorable 
rallying point for such sympathizers, and the 

"Patriots* War," as the disturbance of 1838 and 1839 
Sympa- ^^^ called, had many enthusiastic but mis- 

thizers guided zealots from our state within its ranks. 

with In January, 1838, a company on board the 

Canadian schooner Ann sought to take the fort at Mal- 
e ion ^^^^ 1^^^ ^j^^ vessel was disabled by a cannon 
shot, and all on board fell into the hands of the Canadian 
authorities. 

Governor Mason later called out the militia to protect our 
neutrality, but a band of ''Patriots" broke into the United 
States arsenal at Dearborn and stole five hundred stands of 
arms. The return of these was enforced by General Brady, 
but other arms were procured and collisions took place in 
which several lives were lost upon both sides. 

Although there were but comparatively few men involved, 
the fights were designated as the battles of Windsor and 
Fighting Island. 

The War Ended in the rout of the "Patriots" at all 
12 



178 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



points. A few of the leaders were executed, some impris- 
Results oned, and still others banished to Van Diemen's 

of the Land. Many of the Canadians fled the prov- 

" Patriots'" ince to become pioneers and worthy citizens 
"^^^ of our own state. 

If the first administration of our state affairs witnessed 
incidents of depression and disaster, it likewise witnessed 
incidents of substantial growth and progress. As a part 
of the program of internal improvements, a start had been 
made upon the construction of a 

Ship Canal around the Falls of St. Mary at the ''Soo." 
Complications with the national government, however, 
The"Soo" delayed the prosecution of the work for many 
years. In 1838, the state prison was located 
at Jacksonburg, as Jackson was then called, 
and construction began upon a building 
planned upon the lines of the prison at Auburn, 



Canal and 
the First 
State 
Prison 



New York. 



' The governor's 

messages show 

that his influence 

had much to do 

elevating 



DETROIT AND YPSILANTI RAILROAD. 
NEW ARRANGEMENT. 

THE Passen^ef Car^ Will leave the Depot, al with 
^^D.tr»it,l«ihew«..e«ryda,MWodoek. ^^^ ^^^^j .^^^.^^_ 

On their return, will IwVe YpfiiUtoli At thre^ tions to the high 
o'clock,?. M. until fotlher notice. 

The freight trains will leave Detroit ftlC o'clock 
A. Ml and Ypsilar.li at II o'clock, A. M. every 
day. 

Gooda intended for transportation, nwxai be de* 
livered before >i o'clock. P. M. on the day previous 
10 their beine forwarded. 

L. B. MIZNER. 

(From the Detroit Morning Post of June 9, 1839.) 



plane they have 
ever occupied. 

The governor's 
messages were 
likewise fre- 
quently emphatic 



for the abolishment of imprisonment for debt, a reform 
which was brought about before the close of his administra- 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



179 



tion. The legislature was diligent in the enactment of laws 
which, according to the times, was thought would pro- 
mote the general prosperity. Laws were enacted for the 
incorporation of manufacturing companies. 

The Manufacture of Beet Sugar at this early day was 
one of the purposes for which incorporation might be 
effected. Internal improvements had been the one great 
absorbing issue before the people. Such improvements 

were projected on a 
scale twenty years in 
advance of the times. 
They dwarfed the con- 
sideration of other 
issues, and their col- 
lapse for a time para- 
lyzed well nigh every 
constructive effort. 

Political Reaction 
Followed in the wake 
of the financial dis- 
turbances that came 
upon the country with 
the panic of 1837. '^'^e 
campaign of 1839 was 
one of more than 
ordinary bitterness in Michigan. The founding of new 
institutions and the projecting of new enterprises within 
AnExcit- the state had given rise to personal feelings. 
ing Political With the campaign cry of "Woodbridge and 
Campaign Reform," the whigs elected William Wood- 
bridge governor with a legislature and state officials in polit- 
ical accord. 




WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE. 



180 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Personal Bitterness did not cease with the election. The 
legislature even refused to let the exaugural message of 
Governor Mason be read, although it was a document filled 
with timely suggestions and fervent loyalty. 

The concluding sentence of his message was, ''Identified 
with the early history of Michigan as a state, she shall have, 
Change of wheresoever the vicissitudes of life may place 
State me, my earnest and continued desire for her 

Officers prosperity and welfare, and my anxious and 

fervent prayer, that He who holds in His hands the fate of 
nations and the destinies of men, will bestow upon her every 
blessing a free and enlightened people can desire." 

It Was a Matter of Regret that the asperities of politics 
refused the return of sentiments equally generous. For a 
time, a hostile legislature sought to make political capital 
from the undoing of Governor Mason and his friends. 

The young governor never lost his popularity with the 
people. They loved his generous nature, and believed in 
his honesty and integrity. During the years in which he 
was discharging his many official duties, he had been a 
close student, and long before the close of his official career 
as governor, he had become a member of the Detroit bar. 

In 1 84 1, he removed to New York City to engage in the 
practice of his profession. A bright future seemed to be 
Death of Opening before him, when he died suddenly on 
Stevens T. the 4th of January, 1843, having contracted 
Mason scarlet fever while attending a literary gather- 

ing with Washington Irving at Staten Island. 

Imposing funeral and memorial services were held at 
Detroit upon the receipt of the news of his death. It was a 
service in which all the departments of the state govern- 
ment took part, and which was indicative of sentiments 
that were genuine and sincere. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 181 

For long years his mortal remains rested in an obscure 
cemetery in the city of New York. With passing years 
came a better understanding of the man and his work, and 
the legislature of 1905 appointed a commission to superin- 
tend the removal of the remains to Michigan soil. 

On June 4 of that year, amid civic and military honors, 
they were deposited in Capital Park, Detroit, the interment 
Removal of being in the very foundation of the Capitol of 
Mason's the territory and first state government. In 

Remains to due time the spot will be marked by a monu- 
Michigan rnent of Michigan's appreciation and regard for 
her first governor, who, although a boy in years, was a man 
in the loyalty and fidelity with which he served her 
interests. 

REVIEW. 

Give the principal provisions of the new constitution. What public lands 
were granted for public improvements? Give the names of Gov. Mason's 
appointees to state offices. Outline the life of John D. Pierce and his work. 
Outline the new plan for our judiciary. Who were appointed members of our 
supreme court? Mention some conditions which influenced the early years 
of Michigan as a state. What, were "paper cities"? Who was the first state 
geologist? Why is he one of Michigan's great men? When was the University 
of Michigan created? What can you tell of its government? When did the 
first class enter the university? What was the purpose of university branches, 
and where were they located? Tell of the establishment and the difficulties 
attending the establishment of the first railroads of Michigan. What policy 
of construction and management was adopted? Why did this prove unsatis- 
factory? What public improvements were provided for by the legislature of 
1837? What banking facilities had Michigan at this time? Show how the 
establishment of state banks affected the financial condition of Michigan. 
What legislative enactments of the regular session of 1837 were passed to 
improve conditions? Were they effective? Why? Why was an extra session 
of the legislature necessary, and what was its work? Describe "Wild Cat 
Banking." What was its effect? How was this condition finally remedied? 
Why was a state loan necessary, and how was it negotiated? What unfortunate 
occurrences attended the making of the loan and the payments for bonds? 
What was the condition of internal improvements? Why did the people tire 
of their cherished schemes? What plan was adopted for continuing improve- 
ments? Give an account of the "Patriot's War." What substantial changes 
and improvements were made during the administration of the first governor? 
Why did political reaction follow the panic of 1837? Describe the last years 
of Mason's life. Where is his resting place? 



CHAPTER XII. 
A Period of Retrenchment. 

William Woodbridge, who succeeded to the governor- 
ship in 1840, had seen long service in Michigan before the 
organization of the state government. 

Like Lewis Cass, he had emigrated to the territory from 
Marietta, Ohio, to become the territorial secretary, in 1814. 
The Only ^^^e years later, he was advanced by election 
Whig to the position of delegate in congress. In 

Governor of 1828, he was made a member of the supreme 
Michigan court. In the constitutional convention of 1835, 
he was the most active member of what might be termed 
the opposition party in that body. He had likewise served 
as a minority member in the state senate of 1837. 

The Three Years Following the state's admission had 
brought considerable accretion to its population. In 1840, 
the census returned 212,267. 

Detroit had become a city of more than nine thousand 
people. Monroe, Marshall, Pontiac and Ypsilanti could 
Rapid show populations ranging from seventeen to 

Increase in twenty-five hundred. The state had a valua- 
Population ^ion of about thirty-eight millions, a little more 
than the present valuation of the county of Washtenaw. 

It Taxed the Energies and Resources of such a com- 
monwealth to maintain its government and institutions, and 
pay the interest upon its five million and more dollars of 
debt. 

The campaign of the whigs, in 1839, had been one of 

182 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. . 183 

denunciation and promises. When the legislature met in 
Inability of January, public expectations demanded satis- 
Whigs to faction to an extent not within its powers. 
Satisfy Many of the ills which oppressed the people 

Public were national in their character. Such as were 

eman s susceptible to influence by state legislation 
could be remedied only through economy and retrenchment, 
and that process is seldom satisfactory to the people who 
turn majorities. 

One of the first acts of the legislature was the 

Election of Augustus S. Porter to succeed Lucius 
Lyon as member of the United States senate. Porter was 
a leading member of the Detroit bar, and at the time of 
his selection for the senatorship, was a prominent factor in 
the political situation in that city, having been elected its 
mayor, in 1838. He removed from the state, in 1848, and 
there was little more of interest connected with his official 
career. 

Lucius Lyon, who had been a conspicuous figure in the 
territorial days, remained a resident of the state, and in 
1842, was elected to congress from Grand Rapids. 

In 1845, he was appointed suveyor general of Ohio, 
Michigan, and Indiana. This office was in line with his 
early profession. He continued to hold it until his death 
at Detroit, in 185 1. 

The Legislature took much time for investigations of 
former state officials. Honest purpose and party politics 
were closely blended. Majority reports condemning Gov- 
ernor Mason and his associates, and minority commendatory 
reports fill many pages of legislative proceedings, and evi- 
dence the tense, ungenerous, political feelings of the time. 

The legislature, however, found time for much action of a 
highly beneficial character. Laws attempting to further 



184 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

safeguard expenditures in internal improvements were 
enacted. 

The School Law Was Amended and further perfected, 
and a consistent effort was made to limit state expenditures. 

During this session, most of the northern counties of the 
southern peninsula, some twenty-nine in number, were laid 
Several ^ut. There was an evident desire upon the 

New part of the legislature to perpetuate the Indian 

Counties names in Michigan. Sixteen of the counties 
Organized -yYere given names from the important person- 
ages of that departing race. Three years later, the names 
of a number were changed. The Indian names, in many 
instances, gave way to those drawn from the Emerald Isle, 
Rautawaubet becoming Wexford, Mikenauk becoming Ros- 
common, Keegisee giving place to Antrim, and Raykakee 
becoming plain county Clare. 

Attention Was Now Drawn to the upper peninsula, 
which the state had accepted almost under protest in adjust- 
The Upper i^^i^t of the southern boundary. The legisla- 
Peninsula ture of 1 840 endeavored to remove the obstacle 
and the interposed to the construction of the ship canal 

"So°" at the Falls of St. Mary by gaining the 

national reserve at that place, and adopted a 
memorial to congress setting forth the richness of the coun- 
try, the extent of its lake navigation, and the benefits to 
accrue to the whole country, especially to New York, Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin from the con- 
struction of a ship canal. 

The memorial included a communication from Lucius 
Lyon. In closing he said: 'It is, in fact, emphatically a 
national work and ought to be and I trust will be, con- 
structed by the general government." This statesmanlike 
view was many years in being realized, and not then until 
after the state had constructed a canal from the proceeds of 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 185 

a land grant from the national government. There were 
no populous places in the whole upper country. 

The American Fur Company was, as yet, the sole means 
of communication between civilization and its wild shores 
and still wilder people, but the transition was about to begin. 

The legislature of 1840 granted a charter to the pioneer 
corporation formed to operate in the upper country, known 
as the Lake Superior Fishing and Mining Company. Dis- 
coveries were soon made, from which the upper peninsula 
has become one of the richest regions in the world. 

The Ascendanc3' of the Whig Party in Michigan was 
limited to one administration. The party organization was 
Gov. "Wood- disrupted by the quarrels that followed the 
bridge death of President Harrison. In Michigan, the 

Elected U. situation was not rendered more harmonious 
S. Senator ^^ ^^^^ selection, in 1 84 1, of Governor Wood- 
bridge to succeed John Norvell in the United States senate. 

He was elected by a coalition of democrat and whig mem- 
bers, over James Wright Gordon, the lieutenant governor, 
who was the caucus nominee. 

In the state campaign of 1841, the reaction was at its 
height, and John S. Barry, the democratic candidate for 
Democratic governor, with state officers and a legislature 
Party Again of his political faith, were chosen by large 
Successful majorities. At this time, the financial con- 
dition of the state was at its lowest ebb. Both the Morris 
Canal and Banking Company, and the Bank of the United 
States at Philadelphia, had now defaulted in their payments 
upon the five million dollar loan. There was scarcely a 
banking institution left in the state, and only one in Detroit. 

Under such conditions, it was to the good fortune of the 
state that 

John S. Barry Was Selected. Like many of Mich- 
igan's early officials. Governor Barry was a native of 



186 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

New Hampshire. He was in his fortieth year when he 
Governor assumed the duties of his office in January, 
John s. 1842. Few men in pubHc Hfe in Michigan 

Barry j^^^^ l^^^j^ more highly honored with pubHc con- 

fidence than John Stewart Barry. 

Before coming to Michigan, in 1831, he had received a 
thorough academic and legal training. He settled in Con- 
stantine, in 1834, to engage in mercantile pursuits. He was 
a member of the constitutional convention of 1835, ^^^ of 
the state senate from 1835 ^o 1838. He was a man of incor- 
ruptible integrity, tenacious opinions, and hard common 
sense. 

Governor Barry was especially fitted to hold the reins 
of government during these years. He practised and 
enforced the most rigid economy, without weakening or 
dwarfing the institutions of the state. 

The Story Became Current that he cut the grass from 
the capitol lawn in order that he might sell the hay and 
An Eco- place the money in the treasury. Salaries of 

nomical all state officials suffered a marked reduction, 

Adminis- the governor setting a wholesome example by 
tration signing a bill that took a quarter of his own. 

Expenses were curtailed wherever possible. With return- 
ing national prosperity, Michigan began a career of recu- 
peration and progress. 

Governor Barry was chosen by an increased majority at 
the election of 1843. The constitution prohibited a gov- 
ernor from holding more than two consecutive terms, so 
that his official tenure, terminated January 5, 1846. But for 
the constitutional provision, he would have been again 
selected, as he was at the election of 1849. 

He served the state as the last governor under the con- 
stitution of 1835, and as the only man in Michigan who has 
served three terms in that high office. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 187 

The Interval of Four Years was filled by three men, 
Alpheus Felch, William L. Greenley, and Epaphroditus 
Three Ransom. Governor Felch was elected in 1845, 

Democratic and served from January 5, 1846, to March 4, 
Governors jg^,^ He was elected United States senator 
by the legislature, and the balance of his term was filled by 
Greenley, lieutenant governor. Ransom became governor 
January 3, 1848, and served one term. Governor Ransom 
was one of the members of the first supreme court, holding 
the position until his elevation to the governorship. 

Alpheus Felch was likewise a man whose memory the 
state should ever reverence. He was a native of Maine, a 
graduate of Bowdoin College, in 1827, when in his twenty- 
third year. Among his college contemporaries were Haw- 
thorne, Longfellow, Franklin Pierce, and others of lesser 
fame in the field of politics and letters. 

Governor Felch became a resident of Monroe in 1833, 
and ten years later of Ann Arbor, where he died June 13, 
A Long Life 1896, in the ninety-second year of his age. It 
and Full of could surely be said of him ''that he died full 
Honor gf years and honors," for in his long life he 

had served successively as a member of the first three legis- 
latures, bank commissioner, auditor general, member of the 
supreme court, governor. United States senator, and one of 
the commissioners for the adjustment of the Spanish and 
Mexican land claims in California. He had served as a 
member of the board of regents of the university, and when 
well past the average life's meridian, had served as Tappan 
Professor of Law in the law department of that great insti- 
tution. 

His death found his long life's record untarnished by blot 
or blemish. In the list of Michigan's public servants we find 
the name of no one who served her interests with higher 



188 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

purpose, or who is entitled to fairer fame than Alpheus 
Felch. 

From 1842 to 1850, under the governorships of Barry, 
Felch, Greenley, and Ransom, 

Michigan Traveled the conservative but sure road of 
progress. These were years that marked steady advances 
Years of and no retrogressions. In 1842, Detroit attained 
Progress absolutely free education, a goal for which the 
state at large was striving, but which it did not attain until 
after the adoption of the constitution of 1850. 

In this year, the board of supervisors supplanted the sys- 
tem of county commissioners that had been brought into 
existence in 1838. 

The Indian title to the upper peninsula was now wholly 
extinguished, and in 1843, the counties of Michilimackinac, 
New Chippewa, Schoolcraft, Marquette, Ontonagon, 

Counties and Delta were created. It had been surmised 
Organized fQj. gome years that the region might be rich in 
mineral deposits, but as yet, neither iron nor copper, in 
commercial quantities, had been discovered. 

The Honor of the Discovery of Iron belongs to Wil- 
liam A. Burt, who had been a resident of Michigan since 
1822. He was a skilled surveyor, and a man of remarkable 
inventive genius. 

He invented the solar compass, an instrument by which 
the sun, instead of the magnetic needle, is utilized in survey- 
Discovery ing. In 1844, Mr. Burt, a United States 
of Iron at deputy surveyor, was surveying in the vicinity 
Negaunee ^f ^j^^^ jg ^^^ ^j^g great Jackson mine at 
Negaunee. As the work progressed, the solar compass dis- 
closed a great variation in the magnetic needle. 

So unusual and pronounced became the variation, that 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 189 

Mr. Burt and his assistants began investigating for the 
cause. They had to do Httle more than scrape the thin soil 
from the surface to bring the rich ore beds to view. These 
men, enthusiastic in their work, made a memorandum of 
their discovery upon their maps, but in no manner sought 
to profit thereby. 

It was only through the chance remarks of a half breed 
Indian at the Sault, that P. M. Everett of Jackson learned 
the story of the discovery, and was thus able to locate and 
develop the Xackson mine. 

Copper Was Known to Exist in certain sections of the 
Lake Superior country in the days of the French explorers. 
Attempts at copper minmg had been made, but commercial 
copper had not yet been found. This was discovered by 
John Hayes of Pittsburg. 

Mr. Hayes had been a prospector in the vicinity of Copper 

Harbor, in 1843, but not until two months after William A. 

^ Burt had uncovered iron ore at Negaunee, did 

Copper ^ 

he discover the famous Cliff mine, near Eagle 

River. The mine was famous as the first copper mine to be 

developed in the Lake Superior region, and, so far as known, 

the first m the world that yielded pure or native copper. 

Men of Science were slow to accept the great discovery, 
for previously copper had only been found in composition 
with other minerals. It was not supposed to exist in any 
other form. 

Scientists are not yet agreed how the Michigan copper 
deposits are the exception to the well nigh universal rule. 
Before the close of 1848, crude furnaces were in operation 
at the new found deposits of both iron and copper, and 
their limited products had found their way to the industrial 
centers of the country. But the lack of a ship canal at the 
Sault Ste. Marie was a serious handicap. 



190 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

In 1849, ^ band of hardy pioneers began what was 
destined to be the 

Charming City of Marquette. The people began to 
realize the possibilities of this wonderful region. 

It was while prosecuting the duties of his office as state 
geologist in this fruitful field for effort, that Dr. Houghton 
was drowned in Lake Superior near Eagle River, October 
13, 1845. 

While the people were thus active for the development 
of material resources, they were likewise active for the per- 
fecting of their institutions, and for legislation, promoting 
good government and true progress. 

In 1844, the legislature enacted a law which has generally 
been designated as "the emancipation of married women." 
Rights of Prior to this time, the rights of married women 
Married over their individual property had been much 

Women restricted and rules both inequitable and unjust 

had been imposed. 

This law placed the property of married women on the 
plane it now occupies. It was one of the first laws of the 
kind to be enacted in the United States. 

Heretofore the lands which had been granted by the gen- 
eral government for educational and other purposes, had 
been under the control of the superintendent of public 
instruction. The talents required in supervising the state's 
educational efforts, and those required in properly caring 
for the state's vast landed interests were certainly very dis- 
similar. The legislature, in the preceding year, had very 
wisely created the 

State Land Office, to which was given the charge of all 
state lands. In 1844, the office was located at Marshall, 
and from this time dates the office of commissioner of the 
state land office. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 191 

The state having disposed of its railroad interests, in 
1846, was free to devote her energies to institutions of state 
concern. 

The Stafte Constitution had provided that the seat of 
government should be at Detroit, or such other place as 
might be prescribed by lav^, until the year 1847, when it 
should be permanently located by the legislature. 

This provision clearly indicated that the framers of the 
constitution did not wish to make a permanent location until 
NewLoca- ^he growth of population had made clear the 
tion for one most to the advantage of the people. When 

State Capi- the matter was brought before the legislature, 
*°^ by the message of Governor Felch, the oppo- 

sition to its remaining at Detroit assumed many phases. 

Detroit Had to Contend against the jealousy of other 
localities. Among other objections, it was urged that it was 
too far removed from the geographical center of the state, 
that its proximity to the national boundary would place the 
capital and the departments of the state government too 
near the menace of Canada and British power. 

This last objection may now seem of little weight. The 
public mind was different sixty years ago. Many people 
then viewed the objection as based upon sound reason. 

Perhaps the opposition to Detroit that carried greatest 
influence came from those who desired the capital located 
in the newer portion of the state, so that the state might 
receive the benefit that would accrue from the building up 
of a capital city in such a quarter. 

Many Towns Made Active Competition for the prize. 
Detroit, Ann Arbor, Albion, Battle Creek, Byron, Charlotte, 
Corunna, Caledonia, DeWitt, Dexter, Eaton Rapids, Flint, 
Grand Blanc, Ingham, Jackson, Lyons, Marshall, and 
Owosso were among the number. All received votes, but 



192 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

finally the township of Lansing, in Ingham county, where 
there was not even a village, was selected. 

The commissioners, who made the location, placed it upon 
section sixteen, which Governor Felch had wisely withdrawn 
Lansing from entry and sale while the matter was pend- 

Selected ing in the legislature. This one act of Gover- 
as State nor Felch resulted in a gain to the school fund 
Capital q£ ^i^g g^^^g q£ more than one hundred thou- 

sand dollars. 

Before the close of December, 1847, ^^^^ forest had been 
felled and the 

Capitol of Michigan Erected. Several years were 
passed before it was reached by other means than the slow 
moving stage coach, over highways whose slough holes and 
corduroys left never-to-be-forgotten memories in the mind 
of the traveler. 

The new town bore the name of ''Michigan." 

The Name Was Changed to Lansing at the first session 
of the legislature, which convened at the new capital Janu- 
ary I, 1848. 

The year 1848 likewise marked the first action of the 

state looking to state care for its unfortunates. Governor 

Ransom signed the bill which resulted in the 

, _ . establishment of the state asvlum for the insane 

mm at 

Kalamazoo ^^ Kalamazoo, and the school for the deaf, 
and School dumb, and blind at Flint. For some time the 
for Deaf, people had looked forward to the time when 
Dumb and ^j^^^ should have connection with the outside 
t Flint world through ''magnetic telegraph," as it was 

then termed. On March, 1848, the Detroit 
papers announced the good news that the first line had 
reached that city from New York, and that the first mes- 
sage had been received. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 193 

From this time, the news from the east was no longer a 
week old when published in the daily papers of Detroit. 

During all these years the school interests had kept pace 
with the state's progress. Nearly every settlement was 
within reach of the district school house, although it might 
be a log one with puncheon floors, and a continuous bench 
about its rough interior. 

The cities, and many of the villages, could boast of 
schools of pretentious character. 

The University in its literary department was now 
graduating yearly classes, and its work was being ably sup- 
Denomina- plemented by the colleges and institutes already 
tionalCol- in Operation at Albion, Kalamazoo, Olivet, 
leges and Spring Arbor, and other points. It had become 
State Nor- evident that there was urgent need of a special 
ma Sc ool jj^gtitution for the training and education of 
teachers. The legislature recognized this need, and in 1849, 
the 

State Normal School at Ypsilanti was created. For 
nearly half a century it remained the only state institution 
of its kind, exerting a marked beneficial influence in the 
educational field. 

As if to make Michigan's diversified experiences complete, 
in 1846, a 

Colony of Mormons took up their abode upon the 
Beaver Islands, adjacent to the northwestern shore of the 
lower peninsula. They were an outgrowth of the main 
body under Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, Illinois. 

James J. Strang became the leader of the Michigan 

colony, and was generally known as King Strang. He was 

„. ^ a man of considerable force of character and 

King Strang , . , 1 • 

education but, his practices and teachings 

characteristic of the Mormon church did not harmonize with 

established religious opinions. 

13 



194 xf HISTORY (3F MICHIGAN. _^ 

Bitter feelings were er^e'iidered among his followers and 
he was assassinated in July, 1856, and his colony soon 
dispersed. 

The year, 1847, brought the state another accretion in 
population, but of decidedly different sort from the colonists 
of Beaver Island. They were a goodly number of colonists 

^■r „ ^ from the Netherlands who sought, upon the 

Hollanders 

west shore of Michigan, to secure for them- 
selves and their children a higher degree of material pros- 
perity and religious liberty than was afforded in the 
Fatherland. 

They became the founders of the city of Holland, and the 
advance guard of a large body of devout, industrious citizens 
of our commonwealth. 

Lewis Cass, who for six years had been absent as Minis- 
ter to France, returned to Michigan in 1842, and in 1844, 
was chosen as the representative in the United States senate. 
In 1848, he became the democratic nominee for the Presi- 
dency, the only Michigan citizen to be thus honored. 

He was defeated by Zachary Taylor, the whig candidate, 
Distin- ^^ doubt through the disaffection of the free 

guished soil democrats, under the lead of Martin Van 

Service of Buren. Defeat did not lessen the confidence or 
Lewis Cass regard in which he was held by the people. 

In 1849, he was re-elected to the senate, serving continu- 
ously until 1857. It was during his first years in the senate 
that the war with Mexico was begun and brought to a close. 

The long and distinguished service of Cass in the high 
places of his country, made him a commanding figure in the 
events of the time, and brought to his state a prestige per- 
haps out of proportion to its population and industrial 
importance. 

The Requisition of the President upon Michigan for 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 195 

volunteer troops was fully met, and eleven companies of 
Michigan men saw service south of the Rio Grande. Some 
were with Scott on his memorable march from Vera Cruz to 
the city of Mexico, and with the dashing Phil Kearney on his 
celebrated charge on the Gareta, and at the battle of San 
Antonio. 

Still others did garrison duty at Cordova, where climate 
and disease wrought sad havoc in their ranks. It is a matter 
of congratulation that their service and bearing was such that 
Michigan Governor Ransom could truthfully write in the 
in the Mex- records of the state: "Of all the heroic band 
ican War composing the American army in Mexico, none 
have served their country more faithfully, bravely, and suc- 
cessfully than those from our own state. Officers and pri- 
vates, regulars and volunteers, all have devoted themselves 
to their country's cause with a determined energy and uncon- 
querable courage that would have distinguished an army of 
veterans." 

The Days of the Late Forties may be said to have been 
times when the leaven of liberty was working the world over. 
Democracy was shaking the governmental foundations of 
Germany, France, Italy, and Hungary. In our own country, 
the frowning front of the great slave question was rising 
into view. 

People were thinking of larger liberties, both for them- 
A New Con- selves and for others. The constitution of 1835 
stitution had well served the purposes of the state, but it 
Desired embraced some features that were at variance 

with the growing sentiment of the people. 

The appointment of state officials and prosecuting attor- 
neys by the governor no longer gave satisfaction. 

The People Desired a Closer Relation with their public 
servants. The provision of the constitution providing for 



196 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



the formation of corporations only by a two-thirds vote of 
each house of the legislature, had become an obstacle to 
progress. 

The nature, if not the extent, of the ore deposits of the 
upper peninsula had become generally known, and there was 
a rush for charters by companies eager to assume the hazards 
of mining ventures. 

Plank roads had become an attractive field for corporate 




A VEHICLE FACTORY FIFTY YEARS AGO. (See Page kITO.) 



effort, and the single legislative session of 1848 was called 
upon to grant charters for twenty-two of the former and 
forty-five of the latter companies. 

A few companies were organized for manufacturing and 
other purposes. 

The people desired a change in the organic law so that 
companies might incorporate under a general act without 
awaiting the meeting and caprice of the legislature. 

From these and other reasons the desire for a new consti- 
tution had become quite general, and the legislature of 1849 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 197 

submitted the question of a constitutional convention to the 
Votes of voters at the general election. The people 
Submission showed their practical unanimity by declaring 
andAdop- for a convention by a vote of 33,193 in a total 
*^°" vote of 37,291. 

The Convention, Composed of One Hundred Dele= 
gates, assembled at Lansing on the first Monday of June, 
1850. Their work was completed and submitted to the 
people the following November. 

The constitution was adopted by the decisive vote of 
36,169 to 9,433. 

An amendment providing for "equal suffrage to colored 
persons," submitted at the same time, was defeated by a vote 
of 32,026 to 12,840. 

The Constitution of 1850 in some respects was a radical 
departure from the one of 1835. 

The elective was substituted for the appointive system in 
the selection of the heads of various departments of govern- 
ment. Corporations were to be formed under general laws, 
which were to remain subject to legislative control and 
repeal. 

Provision was made for a judiciary composed of eight cir- 
Points of ^^^^^ ji-^<^te^s with supreme court powers. A 
Difference supreme court of four members, as we now 
in the Con- know it, was created six years later. 
stitution of The office of justice of the peace was retained 
and jurisdiction of justices increased. County 
courts were abolished, and provisions made 
whereby grand juries might be dispensed with. The powers 
of boards of supervisors were enlarged, and an effort made 
to bring the legislature in closer responsibility to the people 
by requiring its members to be elected from single districts, 
except in cities and townships having more than one member. 

The Rights of Married Women were now guaranteed by 



198 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

the constitution. The humane provision, providing for home- 
stead and personal property exemptions from execution for 
debt, vv^as included. Free schools were made a part of the 
educational system. 

The university v^as put under a board of elective regents, 
and provision made for an agricultural college, for the nor- 
mal school, for benevolent institutions, and for township 
libraries. 

The Educational Trust Funds, created by the constitu- 
tion of 1835, were retained, and the proceeds from specific 
taxes and escheated lands were to be used for the purposes 
of the primary school fund. 

Enough has already been detailed to indicate that the con- 
stitution of 1850 was far more specific than that of 1835. 
With experiences fresh in mmd, they provided that the state 
could not aid or be interested in either corporate stock, or 
works of internal improvement, except in the expenditure of 
land grants for the latter purpose. 

The Credit of the State was not to be given to any per- 
son, association, or corporation. A general banking law 
could not be enacted until it first received the affirmative vote 
of the people. 

Except in the instances of repelling invasion, suppressing 
insurrection, and defending the state in time of war, no debt 
could be incurred beyond $50,000. The salaries of circuit 
judges, members of the legislature, and state officers were 
permanently fixed, and in several instances, there were pro- 
visions excluding them from leaving one office for another. 

The Legislature was to meet every two years instead of 
yearly, as under the former constitution. Several constitu- 
tional restrictions were imposed ; not only were subjects 
excluded from their consideration, but the formalities of 
legislation were, in large degree, specified. 

The question of the benefit derived to the people, throug^h 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



199 



the many limitations on legislative power in the constitution, 
has been one in which there has been unanimity of opinion 
among neither jurists or laiety. 

There have always been many who have contended that, 
between broad limits, the legislature should be left free to 
pursue its own will. It is believed that, in general, the limi- 
tations and specific restrictions of the constitution have been 
salutary, and that they have more often stood in the way of 
unwise legislation than state progress. 

Perhaps the one thing that has given rise to most friction 
Small Sala- and discontent, has been the fact that the sala- 
ries to State ries limited in the constitution have been much 
Officers j^gs than the rewards from other occupations. 

Many efforts have been made, by constitutional amend- 
ments, to increase them, but with one or two exceptions they 
have as often failed. 

The Small Salaries 
" Paid may have been a 

very important factor 
tending to general conser- 
vatism, not only in state, 
but in the lesser political 
units as well. By the 
schedule of the constitu- 
tion, a governor and lieu- 
tenant governor were to be 
chosen ait ^the election lof 
November, 1851, and to 
continue in ofiice for a 
term of one year. 

Robert McClelland of 
Monroe was chosen gov- 
ernor under this provision. Governor McClelland had 
added to strong natural abilities, careful training. He was 




ROBERT MC CLELLAND. 



200 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

a graduate from Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, in 1829. 

A lawyer by profession, he had come to Monroe in 1833. 
It is safe to say that no man in the history of the state was 
ever honored with a more extensive or varied public service. 

He was a member of both constitutional conventions, 
First Gov- three times a member of the state legislature, 
ernor under and as many times elected a member of con- 
Constitu- gress before being chosen governor. He was 
tion of 1850 i-e-elected in 1852, his Whig opponent being a 
young, but successful, merchant of Detroit who had recently 
served a term as mayor, and who was destined to become 
one of the foremost characters in the nation, Zachariah 
Chandler. 

The Railroad Conspiracy Case. At about this time, the 
Michigan Central Railroad Company suffered the loss of its 
depot at Detroit by a mysterious fire. Suspicion was di- 
rected towards a large number of citizens, residing near the 
railroad, between Grass Lake and Jackson. 

It was charged that they had been the authors of depreda- 
tions upon the oroperty and business of the company since 
1849. 

It was claimed that their motive was revenge and retalia- 
jjariy tion for losses occasioned by the killing of stock 

Troubles of upon the road, for which the company would 
Michigan pay no compensation. In April, 1851, the 
Central grand jury of Wayne county indicted about 

Railroad ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ citizens of Leoni and Michigan Cen- 
ter for conspiracy. Many of these were men of standing in 
the communities. 

They were tried at Detroit, the trial consuming the greater 
part of the summer of 1851. Some of the most eminent 
attorneys of the country, among whom was William H. Sew- 
ard of New York, participated in the trial. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



201 



It resulted in the conviction of twelve of the number 
indicted, who were sentenced to terms of imprisonment vary- 
ing from five to ten years. Public opinion was far from 
satisfied with the fairness of the trial or the guilt of the 
accused, and they were all soon pardoned. The case was 
the occasion of great public interest at the time and is known 
to history as the railroad conspiracy case. 




GOVERNMENT BUILDING, LOCKS AND CANAL AT SAULT STE MARIE. 

The Legislatures of 1851 and 1853 were largely occu- 
pied in accommodating matters to the change in constitu- 
tions. The legislature again called the attention of congress 
to the urgent need of a ship canal around the Falls of the 
Sault Ste. Marie. In 1852, congress made a grant to the 
state of 750,000 acres of public lands to aid in the project. 

Alpheus Felch, who, for several years, had been chairman 
of the committee on public lands in the national senate, was 
largely instrumental in obtaining the grant. 

The State Was Successful in securing the construction 



202 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 



of the work within the appropriation, and in 1855, i^ 
Ship Canal was opened for the passage of navigation. 
at Sault Although its locks were diminutive as compared 
Ste. Mane ^j^j^ ^-[^q present structures, they were suited to 
the conditions, and from the day they swung open to our 
inland commerce, the career of the upper peninsula has been 
one of increasing development and progress. 





i- 


1 ■ ; 


t 

( 


t 


./ 




A BLOCKADE AT THE " SOO. 



Governor McClelland Was Called, in March, 1853, to 
the cabinet of President Pierce as Secretary of the Interior, 
Governor ^ position he filled with benefit to his country, 
McClelland and with distinguished honor to himself and the 
state whose faithful servant he had been. The 
remainder of his term as governor, which 



as Cabinet 
Officer 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 203 

closed January, 1855, was filled by Lieutenant Governor 
Andrew Parsons. 

Up to this time, with a single exception of the one admin- 
istration of William Woodbridge, the state had witnessed 
an unbroken line of democratic victories. Causes were now 
at work, national in their scope and bearing, that were 
destined to revolutionize political conditions in both state and 
nation. 

A New Set of Characters were to come upon the field of 
active effort. Their lives and doings are the themes of 
familiar interest in our day, while the generation of those 
whose resolute courage carved a commonwealth from a wil- 
derness, and with intelligence, fidelity, and loyalty laid the 
foundations of the institutions of a great state are, in a 
measure, forgotten. 

REVIEW. 
Give a brief sketch of the life of Michigan's second governor. Why were 
economy and retrenchment necessary during his administration? In what 
capacity did Augustus S. Porter serve Michigan? Lucius Lyon? What was 
the work of the new legislature? Name ten counties already formed (1840). 
What obstacle existed to the construction of a canal at the Falls of St. 
Mary? How did the legislature seek to remove this? What was the condi- 
tion of the upper peninsula at this time? How did the administration change 
in 1842? Give reasons for the financial situation. Who was John S. Barry? 
Why was he specially fitted for his position? Tell of some of his economical 
acts? Why was he not elected for a third term? Tell something of the life 
of Alpheus Felch; of William L. Greenley; of Epaphroditus Ransom. What 
was Michigan's condition under Felch, Greenley, and Ransom? Mention 
some changes effected during the years of their administrations. Give an 
account of the discovery of iron in the northern peninsula. Give an account 
of the discovery of copper in the northern peninsula. Of what importance 
was the "rnarried woman's act"? Why was the creation of the state land 
office a wise provision? Where was it located? What was its purpose? 
Where was the capitol at this time? Was this a permanent location? , Why? 
When and how was the location changed? Describe the new town "Michi- 
gan" at this time. What class of unfortunates were provided for t)y the state 
in 1848, and how? When was Michigan connected with the outside world by 
telegraph? Why was this important? What was the condition of education? 
When, why, and for what purpose was the Michigan State Normal School 
established? Tell of King Strang's reign. Who founded the city of Holland, 
and why? Tell of Lewis Cass' further services. What part did Michigan 
take in the Mexican war? Why was there need for a new constitution in 
Michigan in the "forties?" How may a constitutional convention be called? 
Compare the provisions of the old and new constitutions. What constitutional 
limitations are sometimes criticised? Who was the first governor under the 
new constitution? Tell of his life. What was the railroad conspiracy case? 
When and how did congress make possible a ship canal at the "Soo." What 
political parties had flourished in Michigan? Which one had been most suc- 
cessful? 



CHAPTER XIII. 
Through Civii. Strii^e to Peaceful Days. 

The Year 1854 Will Ever Remain an important one in 
the history of Michigan, as in the history of the nation. It 
marks the definite development of that poHtical force which 
was to result in the overthrow of human slavery within our 
country, and which was to bring a train of events of far 
reaching and momentous consequences. 

It marks the commencement of a decade, the most heroic 
in our history, in which Michigan and her people were to 
play an important part. 

The Question of Slavery had been, for years, one of 
growing perplexity in state and national councils. Its 
champions were ever forceful and aggressive. They sought 
to carry slavery into the new states and territories, that an 
even balance might be maintained in congress. 

The Statesman of the North dreaded the ultimate con- 
flict and had yielded to compromise after compromise. The 
conviction grew that, whatever the solution was to be, it 
would not be through further concession. From a combina- 
tion of causes, anti-slavery sentiment was strong, in Mich- 
igan. 

Carved from the Great Northwest, her soil had been 
dedicated to freedom, her population had been drawn from 
the rural communities of New England, where the blood of 
liberty was untainted. Neither large cities nor manufac- 
turing industries had yet developed within the state. She 
was bound to the land where slavery throve by neither the 
ties of commerce nor kindred. 

Geographically situated within easy access to Canada, its 
southeastern portion became one of the best traveled routes 
of the 

204 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 205 

Underground Railway — that mysterious agency by 
which slaves were assisted to the safe asylum of the British 
dominion. 

Cass county had the distinction of being the junction of 
the ''Quaker Line," which started from the Ohio river, and 
of the "Illinois Line," which had its southern terminus at 
St. Louis. 

In 1846, it was estimated that there were as many as a 
hundred runaway slaves residing in Cass county, mostly 
in Penn and Calvin townships, while more than a thousand 
had been assisted across the border. These unfortunate 
people told many stories of cruelty and suffering that awak- 
ened sentiments of resentment against an institution so for- 
eign to the genius of our government. 

The Voice of Michigan grew with ever increasing tone 
for freedom and for union. 

In 1846, Robert McClelland, then a member of congress, 
had been one of the few who, by joining forces, had brought 
forward the Wilmot Proviso, as indicative of the sense of 
northern democrats. 

The state legislature of 1848 expressed its dissent against 
slavery's being permitted in any acquired territory before it 
was vested with state sovereignty. 

The session of 1849 instructed the Michigan congressmen 
to support the Wilmot Proviso.* 

The failure of most of them to observe these instructions, 
and the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, brought loud 
murmurs of discontent. It loosened political ties and cre- 
ated discordant elements. 

*An amendment offered in Congress, Aug. 8, 1848, to a bill, placing 
$2,000,000 at the command of President Polk with which to negotiate a peace 
with Mexico. The amendment was to the effect that neither slavery nor 
involuntary servitude should ever exist in any part of the territory that 
might be acquired by treaty with Mexico. The amendment was offered by 
David Wilmot of Pennsylvania. See Robert McClelland. 



206 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



The KansaS'Nebraska Act* was passed on the 30th day 
of May, 1854. This repealed the compromise of 1820, and 
made slavery possible in the virgin territory of the west. 

The lion of the north was now aroused, and the smoul- 
dering fires of discontent broke forth in flames of earnest 
ThePorma- ^^^^- Nowhere were men actuated by more 
tion of a earnest purpose than in Michigan. They dif- 

New Politi- fered in their political affiliations, in the means 
cal Party ^^ ^^ employed, but they differed little in the 
end desired. 

After the campaign of 1852, the Whig party became dis- 
organized. Its equivo- 
cal policy soon left it 
with small northern fol- 
lowing. Northern dem- 
ocrats were reluctant to 
abandon their party 
name, and the time hon- 
ored principles for which 
it stood, and were halt- 
ing between the doc- 
^^^^^ .^^—^^^^^^^—- trines of "Free Soil" and 
*^^^^^ '' ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ''Squatter Sovereignty/* 

There were many who 
believed that the insti- 
tution of human slavery 
was gaining, rather than 
losing, by compromise. 




KINGSLEY S. BINGHAM. 



*Passed Congress May 30, 1854. It repealed the Missouri Compromise 
and strengthened the Fugitive Slave Law; but the general principle it at- 
tempted to establish vv^as that each territory upon becoming a state should 
have the right to determine whether it should be slave or free. The act 
provided that the "Territory of Nebraska or any portion of the same when 
admitted as a state or states shall be received into the Union with or with- 
out slavery as their constitution may prescribe at the time of their ad- 
mission." 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 207 

Under the Name of "Free Democrats," they were first 
Convention in the field to strive, through concerted action, 
of Free to set bounds to its further extension and 

Democrats power. On the 22d day of February, 1854, 
their delegates met at Jackson. 

A declaration of principles was adopted, and Kingsley S. 
Bingham of Livingston county nominated for governor, 
with the state ticket in sympathetic accord. Other meet- 
ings and conventions followed. 

Throughout the Whole North, it was a time of earnest 
thought and serious purpose. 

The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act intensified the 
anti-slavery sentiment, and in May, 1854, a petition for the 
A Mass calling of a mass convention to nominate a 

Convention ticket and express sentiment against the exten- 
sion of slavery had received the signatures of 10,000 voters. 

The Convention Assembled at the city of Jackson on 
the 6th of July. It was a large gathering of men assembled 
from every section of the state. They represented all polit- 
ical views, drawn together by the one issue. 

In their declaration of principles only the one question, 
extension of slavery, received special attention. The dis- 
cordant elements could not have harmonized on many other 
questions. 

A Ticket Was Chosen from the various political factions 
thus brought together. Kingsley S. Bingham, the nominee 
of the free democrats, headed the ticket, while old political 
antagonists of the whig and other faiths were given other 
positions. 

Although the causes which gave birth to the republican 
Birth of the party were at work throughout the whole 
Republican country, the Michigan convention was the first 
Party ^q nominate a ticket under the party name of 



208 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

republican. The party may justly be said to have been born 
"Under the Oaks" at Jackson. 

The Opposition to the Democratic Party, in the cam- 
paign of 1854, bore the name of republican in seven states. 
Five of the seven were the states of the northwest territory, 
whose fundamental charter, through the genius of Thomas 
Jefferson, had provided that they should forever be dedi- 
cated to human freedom. 

The Democrats Nominated John S. Barry in opposi- 
tion to Kingsley S. Bingham, but his known worth and old 
popularity could not rally the people from a determination 
to express their convictions on the question of aggressive 
slavery. 

Bingham and the republican ticket were elected by 
The Re- decisive majorities. The republican party came 

publicans into power in Michigan within four months 
Successful after its organization, from which time, with 
the exception of two brief intervals, it has continuously 
maintained its ascendency. 

Kingsley S. Bingham, who was thus elevated to the gov- 
ernorship, was by no means a man unknown to the people 
or untried in official position. 

He was a native of Camillus, New York, and had had an 
Sketch of academic and legal training, when he resolved 
the New to become a farmer. In 1833, he emigrated to 
Governor Green Oak, Livingston county, and proceeded 
to carry out his new-formed resolution. 

He took an active interest in political affairs, and as a 
democrat, served five sessions in the legislature between the 
years 1837 and 1842, during three of which he was chosen 
speaker of the house. 

As a Democrat, he had likewise served as a representa- 
tive in congress from 1846 to 1850. Here his voice and 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 209 

vote were both given for the Wilmot Proviso, a service 
in Hne with his strong convictions, and in keeping with the 
sentiment of the people of his state. 

Governor Bingham was re-elected at the election of 1856, 
by a largely increased majority. 

At the close of his term, in 1859, he was elected to the 
United States senate, serving until his death, in 1861. 

The Administration of Governor Bingham was suc- 
cessful and highly popular. His achievements were pre- 
eminently the rewards of his commanding abilities, and the 
honors which Michigan bestowed upon him were no more 
than the equivalent of the services he rendered to Michigan. 

He was succeeded in the governorship by Moses Wisner 
Governor of Pontiac, whose service in that capacity was 
Moses limited to one term, which expired January 2, 

Wisner jg^j^ 

The years from 1854 to 186 1 in Michigan were marked 
by substantial growth and progress. The legislature of 
1855 passed strong resolutions against the principles of the 
Fugitive Slave Law and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. 

A More Effective Protest Was Registered against the 
Fugitive Slave Law by the passage of the stringent Personal 
Personal Liberty Law, by the terms of which the right 
Liberty of trial by jury, and the benefit of habeas cor- 

Law pyg^ were insured to every person claimed as a 

fugitive slave. Their defense was made obligatory upon 
the prosecuting attorneys of the state. 

Common jails were closed against their detention, and at 
least two witnesses were required to make a prima facie 
case against any person claimed to be a slave. 

With such a law, backed by strong public opinion, the 
Fugitive Slave Law became but little more than a source 
14 



210 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

of irritation to keep alive the sentiments of opposition to 
slavery, as a hateful institution. 

There was no session from 1854 to i860 that was un- 
marked by resolution or enactment indicative of the tense 
feeling on the great slavery question, but it by no means 
distracted attention from the many questions of state policy 
and concern. 

A Strong Temperance Sentiment had, for several years, 
permeated all political parties, and in 1853, a prohibitory 
liquor law was enacted. This law was subsequently pro- 
nounced illegal, because made to depend upon a referendum 
to the voters of the state. 

In 1855, a prohibitory liquor law was enacted without 
Temper- popular intervention. This was sustained and 
ance Legis- continued in operation until repealed, in 
lation 187'^ 

The constitution had made provision for the establishment 
of an 

Agricultural School, and had set aside twenty-two sec- 
tions of salt spring lands for that purpose. The legisla- 
ture, in 1855, provided for the establishment of our agri- 
cultural college near Lansing, — the pioneer among agricul- 
tural colleges of the world. Its first class entered in May, 
1857. 

The brick buildings of the institution were surrounded 
Michigan ^y the stumps of the forest but recently felled. 
Agricul- During its subsequent years it has received lib- 

tural Col- eral appropriations from the state, and in com- 
®^® mon with the other agricultural colleges of the 

country, has received material resources from the national 
government. 

It has continued to develop, and with the great university 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 211 

and the other branches of the state's educational system, has 
reflected a high standard of civic progress. 

Governor Parsons, in His Retiring Message, recom- 
mended the establishment of an institution to be known as 
a house of correction for juvenile offenders. Governor 
Bingham, in his first message, urged the necessity of such 
an institution. The legislature provided for its erection. 

It was located in Lansing, and was ready for inmates in 
Industrial September, 1856. As we have come to better 
School for understand some of the great social questions 
^oys that are ever with us, the character of this 

institution has gradually changed. 

From the prison of 1856, it has become the industrial 
school of today, an institution that is in reality all that its 
name implies. 

By the constitution the creation of an independent supreme 
court had been postponed for a period of at least six years. 

Legislation to that end was enacted during the session of 
1857, when provisions were made for a 

Supreme Court of Four Members, to be organized Jan- 
uary I, 1858. Except as to the number of members, and 
that it met alternately at Lansing and Detroit, the court 
remains essentially as then constituted. 

By election, George Martin became the first chief justice. 
The associate judgeships fell to Randolph Manning, Isaac 
P. Christiancy, and James V. Campbell. Within the suc- 
ceeding ten years, upon the deaths of Judges Manning and 
Martin, Thomas M. Cooley and Benjamin F. Graves were 
elected to the vacancies. 

Cooley, Cliristiancy, Campbell, and Graves, through 
their surpassing abilities, for many years gave to Michigan 
judiciary a reputation for learnings and correct interpretation 



212 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



of the law, unsurpassed by that of any other state of the 
nation. 




THOMAS M. COOLEY. 



ISAAC P. CHRISTIANCY. 



The year of the organization of the supreme court, 
1858, also witnessed the creation of ten circuits within the 
The state, with a circuit judge presiding over each. 

Big Four In ^ general way, their powers and jurisdiction 
have remained unchanged through succeeding years. 

In 1857, the senatorial term of Lewis Cass terminated, 
and through legislative choice, the mantle fell upon Zach- 
ariah Chandler. 

The Contrast Between Lewis Cass and Zachariah 
Chandler was one of more than slight degree. The learn- 
ing and cultured graces of Cass were quite lacking in his 
successor. 

It could not be said that Chandler was lacking in either 
Cass and courage or conviction, or the power to make 
Chandler both effective. 

He lacked in the spirit of conciliation, and so his political 
opponents were his political enemies; but he wrought in a 
time when conciliation was perhaps not to be expected. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



213 



As Michigan Approached the year i860, her people had 
every reason to congratulate themselves. She had weath- 
ered the dark days of financial disaster, and was witnessing 
the return of material prosperity. 

The Michigan Central and the Michigan Southern rail- 
ways had crossed the corporate limits of Chi- 
cago within a few hours of each other, in 
May, 1852. 

On November 22, 1858, the Detroit and Pontiac, absorbed 
in the Detroit, Grand Haven, and Milwaukee, ran its first 
train into its western terminus. 

The Prophecy of Governor Mason, that within twenty- 
five years from the state's admission three railroads would 





BENJAMIN F GRAVES. 



JAMES V. CAMPBELL. 



cross the state from east to west, was fulfilled. The year 
previous cuts were made through the St. Clair flats and 



214 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Lake George, providing a twelve foot waterway from Lake 
Erie to Lake Superior. 

The whistle blast of the propeller was now a familiar 
sound along the pine-clad shores, where, but a few years 
before, the only craft was the frail canoe of the Indian hun- 
ter, and the French voyageur. 




GRAND TRUNK R. R. TUNNEL NEAR PORT HURON. 

From this time, the mines and forests of the great upper 
country were to yield their treasures in ever increasing 
store. 

The Census of i860 disclosed that Michigan had a popu- 
lation of nearly 750,000, an increase of over 241,000 in ten 
years. 

More than one-half of all the people lived in the two 
southern tiers of counties, while all but about 
81,000 resided in the south four. 

Of this number, over 21,000 had found homes in the 



Population 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 215 

upper peninsula, in the vicinity of the newly developed 
mines. 

The Ax of the Lumberman had scarcely scarred the 
borders of the mighty forests which, during the next three 
decades, made many fortunes surpassing in extent the fond- 
est dreams of earlier days of the state's industries. 

While the people of Michigan were thus congratulating 
themselves upon the progress attained and in prospect, 

The Political Sky of the nation was fast darkening with 
the oncoming storm of civil strife that was destined to try, 
in fire and blood, the strength of union, and the fortitude 
of men. 

The contest that was coming involved more than the 

_ institution of human slavery. It was, primarily. 

Civil War , . -^ ... 

a contest mvolvmg a great constitutional 

question. 

From the adoption of the federal constitution, two 
schools, or parties, had read into that great instrument that 
interpretation which best served their notions of govern- 
ment. 

Thomas Jefferson, as a great thinker and leader of men, 
had given to his followers a party faith in the "Inviolable 
Preservation of the Federal Constitution." 

He advocated the support of the state governments as the 
surest bulwark against anti-republican tendencies. 

Alexander Hamilton, of brilliant intellect and powerful 
mind, viewed government from another standpoint. 

He and his followers read the constitution with broad 
and liberal interpretation. They believed in the centraliz- 
ing of power in the general government, and in restricting 
the sovereignty of individual states. 

The difference between a strict and loose construction of 
the constitution was the political battle ground of the first 



216 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

seventy years of our national life. The two great sections 
of the country came naturally to represent the divergent 
views. 

Virginia Had Become a State long years before the 
nation was formed. Her statesmen and her people had 
confidence in their state government, and less interested in 
any government farther removed. 

As a state of great extent and influence among those of 
her immediate region, the views of her statesmen became the 
views of a large and influential party. For a time, the 
tenets of strict construction dominated national policies, and 
claimed its adherents without respect to section. 

If New England and the North changed, by degrees, 
to the opposite theory, it was likewise the result of natural 
conditions. .The smaller states of New England came to 
look to the national government to counterbalance the 
influence of the larger states to the south. 

Time and natural conditions gave impetus to the great 
commercial centers of the east, and an ever increasing flood 
of emigration poured to the new northwest. 

Five New States were born that stood in a new and 
closer relation to the central government ; for the initial 
stages of their administrations had been in that govern- 
ment's hands. 

These conditions tended to magnify the national, and 
repress the state, spirit of the north. There was still one 
more factor more potent to that end than all the others com- 
bined — the question of slavery. 

In colonial days, every colony had become slaveholding, 
and when England negotiated the Treaty of Paris, but one 
state — Massachusetts — had become non-slaveholding. 

The First Great Action, which was prophetic of its end, 
was the Ordinance of 1787, which forever dedicated the 
northwest to freedom. The federal constitution had left the 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



217 



institution of slavery as a matter of state policy and 
concern. 

The institution was not slow in retrenching itself behind 
a strict interpretation of that document. 

With half of the nation freed from bondage, it was 
Slavery a equally sure that within that portion, sentiments 
Constitu- of the moral enormity of slavery would con- 
tional tinue to grow. 

Question ^-^j^ ^^^ growth of opposition to the institu- 

tion upon moral grounds, there came a corresponding desire 
for such an interpretation of the federal constitution as 
would further limit and set bounds to its spread and power, 
if not to its ultimate abolition. 

Such, broadly stated, were the factors which ultimately 

resulted in the disruption 
of union, and war between 
the states. 

If Michigan took a posi- 
tive stand during the years 
of intensely earnest discus- 
sion, her position was 
equally certain when it be- 
came evident that a peace- 
ful solution of the contest 
was no longer possible. 

The Memorable Cam= 
paign which placed Abra- 
ham Lincoln in the Presi- 
dency, placed Austin Blair 
in the governorship of 
Michigan. No man ever 
became governor of the state at a more trying time than did 
Governor Blair. 

It was the fortune of the state that he assumed duties that 




AUSTIN BLAIB. 



218 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

he was fitted by temperament, training, and experience to 
ably discharge. He was graduated from Union College, in 
1837, ^^d four years later, as a lawyer, began his Michigan 
career. 

He was forty-two years old, when in i860, he was nomi- 
nated for the governorship by the republican party. He had 
back of him, in both house and senate of the state legislature, 
a record of service that stamped him as a man of clear per- 
ception and fearless courage. 

For four years his loyalty was unfaltering and his zeal 
unflagging in the union cause. They were years of well 
Michigan's nigh gratuitous service, for the salary of the 
War Gov- governor was then but $1,000 a year. It is to 
ernor ^j^^ honor of the state that recognition of his 

patriotic service, as War Governor, has been made through 
the erection of his statue in deathless bronze before the 
Capitol of his commonwealth, with whose history his life 
was so inseparably connected. 

When the Conflict Broke, and war's lurid light was 
thrown athwart the darkening sky, Michigan was prompt 
and energetic in her action. 

When, from the government at Washington, there came 
a cry for men and money, it' was answered by no discordant 
note from the people of these northern shores. 

Upon Retiring from the United States Senate, in 
1857, the venerable Lewis Cass had entered the cabinet of 
James Buchanan as secretary of state. 

His every effort during the stormy days was to hold each 
state in its place, to preserve the constitution and the union. 

His advice to the President, that reinforcements be sent 
to Charleston and Fort Sumter, was refused, and he 
Loyalty of resigned from the cabinet on the 14th of 
Lewis Cass December, i860. With a sad heart he sought 
the retirement of his Detroit home. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 219 

He Was Still a Democrat of the Jackson school, and 
when the bombardment of Fort Sumter had fired the ardent 
spirit of the loyal north, he stood up as chairman of a Union 
meeting of his home city, and "thanked God that the Ameri- 
can flag still floated over his home and friends." Continu- 
ing he said, "You need no one to tell you what are the 
dangers of your country, nor what are your duties to meet 
and avert them. 

"There is but one path for every true man to travel, and 
that is broad and plain. It will conduct us, not indeed, 
without trials and suffering, to peace and to the restoration 
of the Union." 

Worthy sentiments from Michigan's foremost hero of the 
old northwest. How fully the people of Michigan shared 
his loyalty, was attested by the regiments that, from first to 
last, took the road he had said was "broad and plain." 

Although Michigan Was Far Removed from the seat 
of war, her proximity to the Canadian border made the 
border cities constantly apprehensive of difficulties from 
that quarter. 

Canada became an asylum for many persons of southern 
sympathy, and likewise of those who were willing to become 
Disturb- ^^^^ active agents of her cause. On the 19th of 

anceonthe September, 1864, a band of these conspirators, 
Canadian with the evident design of liberating confeder- 
Border ^^^^ ^^^ were imprisoned on Johnson's Island, 

captured the steamer Philo Parsons below Detroit. 

They likewise captured the Island Queen at Middle Bass 
Island, but discovering, as they approached Kelley's Island, 
that their designs had been penetrated, and that the garri- 
sons were prepared, they returned to the Canadian shore 
without accomplishing their mission. 

The incident created intense excitement, and was the 
occasion for extraordinary vigilance along the border. 



220 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

There Was Scarce a Battle of the war in which Mich- 
igan men did not participate. 90,747 of her sons were to 
be counted in the ranks, approximately an eighth of the 
population of the state. Of this number, nearly 13,500 
died in service. 

If the State Was Lavish with her blood, she was like- 
wise lavish with her treasures. The state government 
Michigan expended $2,802,859 for the purposes of the 
in the "War war, while its townships and cities added 
$8,157,748 more. Before 1867, relief to soldiers' families 
had totaled $3,591,248. 

REVIEW. 

What can you say of the condition of human slavery in 1854? Mention 
some compromises already effected. Mention some reasons why the anti- 
slavery sentiment was strong in Michigan. What was the underground rail- 
way? What part did Michigan play in its operation? State some ways in 
which Michigan voiced her sentiments regarding slavery. What were some 
of the principles for which the Whig party stood? Why did it become disor- 
ganized? Describe the organization of the republican party and state its one 
important sentiment. Who was its candidate for governor? Give a sketch 
of the life and services of the first republican governor of Michigan. From 
1854-1860 how did the legislature regard slavery? What temperance laws 
were passed? Give an account of the establishment of our agricultural col- 
lege. When was the Industrial School for Boys established? When was the 
supreme court as it now exists established? Circuit courts? Name some of 
the early judges of the supreme court; of the circuit courts in your county. 
Compare Lewis Cass and Zachariah Chandler. Compare the Michigan of i860 
with that of 1835. Define a strict constructionist; a loose constructionist. 
Tell something of the contest between the two parties. How did slavery 
affect the political situation? Define Michigan's position on the slavery ques- 
tion at this time. Who was our state's war governor? Sketch his life. What 
was the part of Michigan in the civil war? What was the position of Lewis 
Cass on this great question? Mention some incidents which involved the terri- 
tory of the State of Michigan in this war. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
A Hal^ Century of Statehood Completed. 

Michigan Was Destined to Respond, in a marked 
degree, to that spirit of progress which energized the nation 
at the close of the great Civil War. The natural resources 
of the state had now quite generally been discovered, and 
their importance appreciated. 

With returning peace, men set themselves to developing 
these resources upon a scale, and with an energy, that 
promised a speedy repair of the loss sustained through years 
of wasteful war. 

Henry H. Crapo, of Flint, became governor in January, 
1865. He was re-elected and served until January, 1869. 

Governor Crapo was a native of Massachusetts, and had 
only been a resident of the state since 1856. 

He had been wise, and as early as 1837 had made invest- 
ments in the pine lands of his future state with a wisdom 
Governor and upon a scale that brought him large finan- 
Henry H. cial returns, when he came to Michigan and 
Crapo became active in their development. 

He died during the year following the close of his admin- 
istration, leaving an enviable record in a broad and varied 
field of effort. Political, lumbering, agricultural, railroad- 
ing, and literary pursuits, all claimed his attention, and in 
each he showed the qualities of a master mind. 

The legislature that was elected with Governor Crapo 
conferred the honor of an election to the United States 
senate upon 

Jacob M. Howard, he having been first appointed in 
1861, following the death of Kingsley S. Bingham. 

221 



222 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

He continued the junior senator from Michigan until his 
death, in 1871. Although to a succeeding generation the 
name of Jacob M. Howard is not so familiar as that of some 
of his contemporaries, he is, nevertheless, entitled to a high 
place in the list of Michigan's distinguished public servants. 

From his advent in Detroit, in 1832, to the time of his 
death, he was a forceful factor in the history of the state. 

He was a man of broad culture, with attainments as a 
lawyer that were far above the average. He was a leading 
Jacob M. figure in the organization of the republican 
Howard, party, where his influence was most potent. He 
U. S. Sen- had served as a whig in the state legislature, 
^ and as a member of congress. In strength and 

force of character he stood well to the fore, and his memory 
will ever deserve well from the people of Michigan. 

Among the incidents of the administration of Governor 
Crapo, may be mentioned the renewed 

Activity in Railroad Construction. The quickening 
industries of the state, and the settlement of new areas 
called for better transportation facilities. 

The people of the counties, townships, and cities, appar- 
ently forgetful of past experience, began bidding for rail- 
road construction through various bonding arid other 
schemes. 

The legislation which sought to authorize or validate such 
bond issues was generally vetoed by Governor Crapo, and 
was the occasion of considerable expression of dissent then. 
Time has demonstrated the wisdom of his action. 

Numerous acts of the same character had been passed by 
the legislature of 1864. and it is reasonably certain that, had 
Vetoes by ^ot the governor interposed his veto, the 
the Gov- municipalities of the state would have been 
emor drawn into many ventures of doubtful value, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 223 

and been burdened with such a debt as would have proven 
a serious obstacle to their progress. 

The Position of the Governor was, in 1870, sustained 
by a decision of the supereme court, which held that the 
principle of such legislation was unconstitutional. 

The decision in this case, which is generally known as the 
Salem case, was of great value, for it effectually closed the 
door to all private enterprises that would benefit through 
public taxation. 

When we see the numerous schemes and subterfuges that, 
from time to time, have been attempted by municipalities 
The Salem to promote special interests, we can imagine 
Case the result had it not been for the wise constitu- 

tional prohibition, and the equally wise construction placed 
thereon by the supreme court. 

The Constitution Provided that, at the general election 
of 1866, the question of revision of the constitution should 
be submitted to the vote of the people. 

This was done, and the proposition for a convention was 
carried by an overwhelming majority. 

The Convention, composed of one hundred delegates, 

assembled at Lansing on the 15th of May, 1867. After a 

Another seventy-four days' session, the convention sub- 

Constitu- mitted the draft of a constitution following 

tionalCon- closelv the provisions of the constitution of 
vention jg^^' 

It embodied some new features, among which was the 
provision empowering townships and cities to vote aid to 
railroads. 

The document likewise fixed the salaries of all state 
officers at fair amounts, and further provided that all salar- 
ies might be increased by a two-thirds vote of the 
legislature. In addition it sought to remedy 

Many of the Defects of the constitution of 1850, but the 



224 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

people, as a whole, were not in favor of voting aid to rail- 
roads, and they had never been in favor of giving the 
salary-fixing power to the legislature. 

Many times since, when these two propositions have 
been proposed as amendments to the constitution, they have 
uniformly been defeated. 

While the proposed constitution embraced many features 
that the people desired, they refused to accept them when 
Proposed joined with features they did not desire. The 
Constitu- result was that the proposed constitution was 
tion De- defeated by a vote as decisive as the one which 

feated called the convention into existence. 

January i, 1869, Henry H. Crapo was succeeded in the 
governorship by 

Henry P. Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin was a native of Rhode 
Island, who had engaged in a prosperous business career in 
Detroit, dating from the year 1838. 

In 1870, he was re-elected, and so continued in the high 
position until January i, 1873. He was not without exper- 
Goveraor ience in political affairs before coming to the 
Henry P. governorship, having served in the state senate 
Baldwin during the war. 

His extensive business experience made his administra- 
tion an eminently practical one, and consequently of great 
value. 

It was during the administration of Governor Baldwin 
that 

Thomas W. Ferry of Grand Haven was chosen to the 
United States senate. He had already seen political service 
Thomas "W. as a member of both houses of the state legis- 
Ferry, u. S. lature, and, for several terms, as a member of 
Senator ^Y[q lower house of congress. He was the first 

native of the state to be selected to a seat in the national 
senate. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 225 

Michigan's Industries were in a flourishing condition. 
The census of 1870 disclosed that our population had passed 
the million mark by 200,000. 

The Lumber Industry led in importance. An army of 
woodsmen were denuding the northern counties of their 




MANUFACTURING LUMBER IN WEXFORD COUNTY. 

wonderful pine forests at the rate of more than thirty thou- 
sand acres a year. 

From a few hundred million feet of lumber, cut in i860, 
the business developed in ten years to an annual cut of two 
and a half billion feet of the value of more than thirty mil- 
lions of dollars. 

The Salt Industry, started in i860, under the stimulus 
of a state bounty of ten cents a bushel, had developed with 
the lumber industry, the timber refuse being utilized in 
evaporating the brine. 

In 1870, the Saginaw valley was forging to the lead in 
the national production of this one commodity, with over 
621,000 barrels to her credit. This amount, which seemed 
15 



226 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



large at the time, was, in fact, little more than the 
beginning. 

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal had amply demonstrated its 
value, notwithstanding the statement by Henry Clay that 
it was "beyond the remotest settlement in the United 
States." 



ff:- 



:-1 -^ 



l'P ■/ ■' ^ W^' 



^isKI""" " " 



LUMBERING IN THE PINE FOREST. 



In fifteen years, the shipment of iron ore from the Mar- 
quette district had increased from 1,400 tons, in 1855, to 
859,000 tons, in 1870. 

In the production of copper, Michigan, within the same 
time, had attained to an annual output of more than twelve 
thousand tons, worth from five to six millions of dollars, 
constituting eighty-three per cent of the national product. 
Nor had the farmers been idle. 

One Hundred Thousand Farms dotted the southern 
counties with a rich and varied charm, or were scattered at 
intervals through the newer north. They were the homes 
of three-fourths of all the people, wherein were nurtured the 
highest type of American citizenship. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



227 



The State Had Now Outgrown the limits of its pioneer 
capitol. When erected in the forest of Lansing township, 
in 1847 ^^d 1848, an eighteen thousand dollar structure, both 
in accommodation and design, could be said to embody 
"true magnificence." 

It no longer answered for the pride or necessities of 
1870. The four thousand dollar addition of 1865 had not 
kept it up to even pioneer standards. The first step toward 
A New State House was taken by Governor Baldwin in 
his message to the legislature, in 1871. Action was taken 
in line with the recommendation of the governor, and on 
the second day of October, 1873, the corner stone of the 
present edifice was laid with imposing ceremonies, in the 
presence of an immense concourse of people. 

The first legislature to sit 
within the new building 
was the legislature of 1879. 
The Completion of the 
New Capitol was a matter 
of much pride and gratifi- 
cation to the people, for the 
men and women who 
braved the trials and priva- 
tions of the pioneer were 
then quite generally living, 
and looked upon the impos- 
ing structure as a monu- 
ment to their citizenship 
and the state's progress. 

The Construction of 
the Building was in the 
hands of a commission 
composed of Ebenezer O. Grosvenor of Jonesville, James 
Shearer of Bay City, and Alexander Chapoton of Detroit. 




EBENEZER O. GROSVENOR. 



228 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The Governor was an ex-officio member of this commission. 
The amount appropriated for the erection of the building 
was $1,525,241.05. 

The Capitol stands as a monument to state integrity. It 
was not only constructed within the appropriation, but a 
part was actually returned to the treasury. 

This record was much to the credit of the commissioners 
and the state whom they served. It is unusual in the his- 
tory of public buildings. 

To the administration of Governor Baldwin, must like- 
wise be credited the establishment of the 

State Public School at Coldwater. It was established 
in 1 87 1, and opened in 1874. For years, dependent children 
State ^^^ become the inmates of alms houses, doomed 

Care of to grow up under the stifling influence of 

Dependent unwholesome surroundings. As in the estab- 
Children Hshment of the Agricultural College, so in the 
care and education of dependent chil- 
dren, Michigan was the pioneer among 
the states to create an institution for 
such a purpose. 

Henry P. Baldwin was succeeded in 
the governorship for two terms by <^^^^S~^^ 

John J. Bagley, a wealthy tobacco ^,: r^V^^^ 
Governor manufacturer of Detroit. ^ P /'A'to 
John J. Althous^h a native of * 

muijv^u^ii ct iiaLivc KJL *GEN. GEORGE A. CUSTER. 

Bagley ^^^^ York, he had from 

his boyhood been a resident of Michigan, thoroughly famil- 
iar with its people and institutions. 

*Gallant American general, born at New Rumley, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1839. grad- 
uated from West Point in June, 1861. His youth was spent at Monroe, 
Michigan, where in 1864 he "married his wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, who 
later became the author of "Boots and Saddles," "Tenting on the Plains," 
"Following the Guidon," etc. Gen. Custer served with marked distinction 
through the civil war, but he will best be remembered in connection with 
his last battle, June 25, 1876, when he with his entire command were anni- 
hilated by the Indians under Sitting Bull at the Little Big Horn. 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 229 

The state was now adding to its population at the rate 
of about fifty thousand annually, and it was soon apparent 
that its charitable and penal institutions were no longer 
adequate to the needs of the state. This was especially 
true as to accommodations for the insane. 

The asylum at Kalamazoo had been long inadequate to 
the demands, and in 1873, provision was made for the build- 
New Asy- ing of the Eastern Asylum at Pontiac, which 
lum for the was Opened for inmates in 1878. Governor 
Insane Bagley, in 1872, received the largest plurality 

that had ever been given to a candidate for that office in 
the history of the state; but the panic of 1873, and the 
exposure of the Whiskey Ring and other frauds in the 
administration of President Grant, caused a marked change 
in the political sentiment of the nation. This was shared in 
no small degree by the people of Michigan. 

So great was the defection that, in 1874, the governor 
secured his election by the narrow margin of 5,969 plurality, 
Political more than fifty thousand less than it had been 
Disaffec- two years before. This wave of popular resent- 
tion ment gave three congressmen from the state to 

the democrats, and so reduced the majority of the repub- 
licans in the state legislature that they had but a majority 
of seven in the house and four in the senate. At the fol- 
lowing legislative session 

Zachariah Chandler was a candidate for re-election to 
the United States senate, but the issues of the war, which 
had brought Senator Chandler his popularity, were now 
passing away. His strong and aggressive nature had made 
him enemies in his own party, and no friends among the 
opposition. 

The result was a combination between the democrats and 
a few disaffected republicans whereby the election was given 
to Judge Isaac P. Christiancy of the supreme court, who 



230 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Defeated 

Christancy 

Elected 



was acceptable to the democrats because of his more liberal 
Chandler views and less intense partisan spirit. The 
retirement of Zachariah Chandler from the 
national senate, where he had served for 
eighteen years, was by no means his retirement 
from public life. 

The following October he became secretary of the inter- 
ior in the cabinet of President Grant. 

Judge Christiancy, who was of the judicial tempera- 
ment and a jurist of high rank, soon found his senatorial 
labors uncongenial, and in 1879, resigned his seat to accept 
the position of minister to Peru. 

Christiancy '^^^ interim had served to adjust political 
Resigns differences, and Zachariah Chandler was elected 

Chandler by the legislature, then in session, by the unan- 
Re-elected jnious vote of his party. He took his seat late 
in March, and during the succeeding days of the regular and 

special session of con- 
gress he again at- 
tracted the attention 
of the nation, and 
his name was frequent- 
ly mentioned in con- 
nection with the presi- 
dential nomination of 
the coming year. Fate 
had decreed otherwise. 
Although his voice 
rang out with the same 
old challenge, his 
career was at an end. 

Death claimed him 
as he wrought with the 

ZACHARIAH CHANDLER. Q^jy wCapOUS whlch hc 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 231 

knew, and which had been most effective in the days when 
the nation was rent by civil war. 

Sufficient time has now elapsed, so that the political 
opponents of Senator Chandler do not withhold from him 
the tribute due a strong and vigorous character. He lived 
and was a part of a time, when political amities were not 
cultivated, and so he found affection only in the hearts of 
his partisans. 

A succeeding generation of the political faith he most 
bitterly assailed, may well concede that, next to Lewis Cass, 
he towers the most commanding figure in the history of the 
state. 

In 1873, there was a revival of sentiment for a revision 
of the constitution, and a law was passed empowering the 
governor to appoint a commission, composed of two mem- 
bers from each of the nine congressional districts, to pro- 
pose amendments to the constitution. 

Governor Bagley made wise selections in the choice of 
members. In October, the commission reported to the gov- 
ernor a series of articles which were in effect a revised 
constitution. 

It constituted a docun^ent of admirable arrangement and 
much merit. At the special session which met in March, 
Another ^^74^ t^e work of the commission, with a few 

Constitu- modifications, was adopted and submitted to 
tional the people at the ensuing April election. It 

Revision ^^g rejected by a majority of more than ninety 

® ®^ ® thousand. This indicated that the people were 

not yet ready to vote an increase of salaries, which was one 
of the features of the proposed constitution. 

The Administration of Governor Bagley promoted 
many measures of improved state policy, such as, the reor- 
ganization of the militia, the creation of the office of rail- 



232 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

road commissioner, and the passage of the general railroad 
law. 

It was likewise during the second term of his administra- 
tion that the policy of prohibiting the liquor traffic, inaugu- 
rated in 1855, was superseded by the taxing system still in 
vogue. 

The next year, by a vote of the people, the restriction 
relative to the licensing of the sale of intoxicating liquor 
was stricken from the constitution by a vote of the people, 
yet a strong temperance sentiment still existed among the 
people. 

Many New Projects were now pressing themselves upon 
the attention of the state. Seventy-seven of the present 
eighty-three counties had now been organized. The list 
included two, Isle Royal and Manitou, being the islands of 
those names, which have since been disorganized, and their 
territory attached to other counties of the mainland. 

The rapidly increasing population and conditions essen- 
tially modern were necessitating the creation and rapid 
extension of the state's institutional facilities. 

The responsibility of guiding administrative affairs from 
1876 to 1881 devolved upon Charles M. Croswell of Adrian, 
who for two terms, by majorities attesting popular confi- 
dence, was chosen to the governorship. David H. Jerome 
of Saginaw was likewise honored from 1881 to 1883. 

Governor Croswell was a man of much decision of 
character. One of the notable things of his administration 
Governor was his free use of the veto power, for which 
Chas. M. he was more generally commended than 
Croswell criticised. 

In 1877, the State House of Correction and Reformatory 
at Ionia, which had been projected four years before, was 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 233 

Four New put into operation, and two years later was 
Institu- created the State Industrial Home for Girls, at 

tions Adrian. 

This institution was first designated as the Reform School 
for Girls. The modification of the name, as in the case of 
the Industrial School for Boys at Lansing, indicates a pur- 
pose to emphasize the industrial and educational, rather than 
the penal features of the institution. 

Heretofore the blind had been cared for with the deaf and 
dumb at Flint, but in this year the two classes of inmates 
were separated, and provisions made for the care of the for- 
mer in a School for the Blind at Lansing. 

The Northern Asylum for the Insane was organized in 
1 88 1, during the administration of Governor Jerome. 

It was in this year that the state ceded to the national 
government the ship canal at Sault Ste. Marie. 

The Federal Authorities assumed control June 9, and 
soon thereafter the Weitzel lock, which they had constructed 
at a cost of more than two million dollars, was opened. 

The canal now became free from toll, and in 1886, the 
government began the construction of the great Poe lock. 
The Locks which is today one of the engineering wonders 
at the of the world, being 800 feet long, 100 feet wide, 

"Soo" 2Lnd twenty-one feet deep, capable of lifting the 

largest vessel on the lakes, in eight minutes time, from the 
level of Lake Huron to that of Lake Superior. 

Governor Jerome bears the distinction of being the only 
man elevated to the governorship who was born within the 
Governor state. It was his political fortune to be gov- 
David H. ernor at a time when political conditions were 
Jerome such as limited his incumbency to one term. 

In 1879, upon the death of Senator Chandler, ex-Gover- 



234 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

nor Baldwin had been appointed in his place, and became 

Henry P. a candidate for election before the legislature 

Baldwin of 1881. He was defeated after a somewhat 

and Omar heated canvass by Omar D. Conger of Port 

onger, j^uron, who had been prominently identified 
U. S. Sen- 
ators ^^^^ ^^"^^ politics of the state since 1850. 

The National Conditions that had given rise to the 
National Greenback party were still influential in Michigan, 
and in 1882, with a lack of harmony in the republican party 
a fusion of the democratic with the greenback party resulted 
in the election of Josiah W. Begole of Flint, by a majority 
of more than four thousand over Governor Jerome. 

This was the first reverse that the republican party in 
Michigan had met in the governorship since the organiza- 
Govemor tion of the party, more than a quarter of a cen- 
JosiahW. tury before. 

Begole Governor Begole was a man of comfortable 

fortune, which his own industry had acquired, and a man 
of generous impulses. 

The objections urged against him arose from the exigen- 
cies of party politics, rather than from any basis of fact. 

Before being elected governor, as a republican he had held 
many positions of trust and honor at the hands of liis party. 

The Senatorial Contest of 1883, after a prolonged and 
somewhat bitter struggle, resulted in the selection of Thomas 
Thomas W. ^- Palmer as the successor of Senator Ferry. 
Palmer, The animosities engendered in this contest may 

U. S. Sen- have, in some measure, contributed to the elec- 
^*°^ tion of two democratic members of the supreme 

court, and two members of the board of regents in the 
spring of 1884. 

At the expiration of his senatorial term, during the admin- 
istration of President Harrison, 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



235 



Mr. Palmer Became Minister to Spain, and subse- 
quently president of the Chicago World's Fair Commission. 
His munificence to Detroit, the city of his birth, and to 
worthy objects through- 
out the state, has been 
the expression of his 
kindly impulses, rather 
than the result of a pur- 
pose to profit by a show 
of liberality. 

Governor Begole was 
Defeated for re-election, 
in the campaign of 1884, 
by General Russell A. 
Alger of Detroit, by the 
Governor narrow mar- 
Russell A. gin of less 
Alger i]^^^ four 

thousand majority. The 
upper peninsula was now 
contributing to the 
state's revenue in such 
an amount, and was pos- 
sessed of such population, as to entitle that region to con- 
sideration in the location of state institutions. 

As the Great Mining Interests of the section were in 
constant need of men, schooled in the technology of the 
mining industry, the legislature of 1885 took the first steps 
towards the creation of the Mining School at Houghton. 

The Branch Prison at Marquette was established during 
the same session, as was the Soldiers' Home at Grand 
Three New Rapids, and the State Asylum, formerly known 
Institutions as the Michigan Asylum for dangerous and 
criminal insane at Ionia. 




RUSSELIi A. ALGER. 



236 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Michigan Had Now Reached the Senii=Centennial of 

her state's existence, and the event was celebrated with 
elaborate ceremonies at Lansing on the 15th of June, 1886. 

It was, indeed, a proud day for Michigan. In fifty years 
she had grown from the twenty-third to the ninth in popula- 
tion, and first in the production of many of the great staple 
products of the country. 

With not more than twenty steamboats upon Lake Erie 
in 1836, their number had increased in response to the 
Lake and demands of commerce until their black funnels 
Inland were a continuous procession by the beautiful 

Commerce City of the Straits. The year 1885 recorded 
an average of 209 vessels a day for 224 days. 

From a state burdened with debt that means of communi- 
cation might be extended to the state's interior, it had become 
a state free from debt with railroad lines of 5,220 miles, 
extending to its farthest limits. 

The Schoolhouse Doors were daily swinging to three 
times as many children as there were people in the state 
when John D. Pierce, Isaac E. Crary, and Governor Mason 
laid the foundation of the school system, while through the 
great university and schools in special fields a beneficent 
influence was being extended to the uttermost parts of the 
earth. 

A multitude of towns and cities were vocal with their 
whirr of an extensive and diversified industry, while many 
times ten thousand fields gave promise of abundant 
harvests. 

It would be claiming too much to say that a retrospective 
view of the accumulated events of half a century, did not 
disclose many subjects for regret. 

To a succeeding generation, perhaps the one most patent 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 237 

is the disposition which Michigan made of her pubHc lands 
and natural resources. 

To the Railroads of Michigan Alone, lands in Michigan 
were granted by the national government of more than four 
millions acres, to which the state added from its own domain, 
1,700,000, comprising in extent more than fifteen of the 
average counties of the state. 

The state has received from the national government for 
Public Land all purposes more than nine million acres of 
Grants land, much of it of the richest timber and min- 

eral quality, and yet royalty was never reserved on so much 
as a ton of ore, or a thousand feet of lumber. 

The 750,000 acres, which the state gave for the construc- 
tion of the original Sault Ste. Marie canal, was the founda- 
tion of many enormous fortunes. 

The Calumet and Hecla mine alone, which was developed 
in these lands, has already paid more than $92,000,000 in 
dividends. 

In 1850, the federal government granted to Michigan, as 
it did to other states, certain lands, which the survey showed 
to be more than half wet or subject to overflow. 

Michigan received, approximately, six million acres of 
these lands commonly denominated state swamp lands. For 
many years the policy of the state was to appropriate these 
lands for the construction of roads and drains. 

They embraced large areas of land, many of them the 
most valuable in the state, but they produced less than a 
million dollars in cash. The greater part was disposed of in 
payment for presumed improvements, and showed more 
results in the private fortunes they created, than benefits to 
the public. 

The Lands Appropriated to the uses of primary schools, 



238 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

university, normal school, and agricultural college were, in a 
measure, safe-guarded by the constitution. 

The funds created from them now aggregate five and a 
half millions, a sum which although large, is yet trivial as 
compared with the value, in timber alone, which the lands 
yielded to those who, through foresight or fortune, became 
their possessors. 

The Direct Loss to Michigan, through the experiment 
of internal improvements and equally experimental banking, 
was considerable, but it was as nothing compared to the loss 
Destruc- to present and future generations through the 
tion of abandon with which, in past years, our lands 

Forests were disposed of, our forests slaughtered, and 

our mines turned over wholly to private gain. 

The policy that made such results possible was not the 
result of an intentional disregard^ of public interests, but 
rather the result of looking to present and immediate 
welfare. 

It is such facts as these that should guide the action of 
every man in legislative authority, when his vote is a factor 
in the disposal of public interests. The present soon passes 
away, the future is illimitable. In matters of government, 
to provide only for the present^is to temporize and invite loss, 
while to provide for the future is statesmanship. 

REVIEW. 

Give a short biography of Governor Crapo; of Jacob M. Howard. Tell of 
the need and increase of transportation facilities following the civil war. 
What was the Salem Case? Why was it of importance? Tell of the consti- 
tutional convention of 1867. What changes were advocated? Who followed 
Henry II. Crapo as governor? What can you say of his career? Who was 
Thomas W. Ferry? Describe the value and importance of the lumber indus- 
try at this time. State the importance of the canal already constructed at 
the Soo. What of the iron and copper productions in the northern penin- 
sula? What of agriculture in Michigan? Why did the state need a new 
capitol? Tell of the provision for and its construction. What state institu- 
tion is located at Coldwater? When was it established? What is its purpose? 
Tell of the services of John G. Bagley. Read in your U. S. histories of the 
Whiskey Ring. Mention some other frauds of Grant's administration. What 
changes occurred by the elections of 1874? What do these show of the power 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 239 

°^u*^^T,M'°*^ ^" ^^^* ^^y ^^^ President Grant honor Michigan? Mention 
other Michigan men honored by places in the president's cabinet. What can 
you say of Chandler as a figure in national and state affairs? Why did the 
constitution again need revision in 1874? Why was no revision made? What 
measures were promoted during Governor Bagley's administration in reo-ard 
to (a) state militia, (b) railroads, (c) temperance question? What state in- 
stitutions were established under Croswell's administration? Under Jerome's? 
Make a list of Michigan's governors to 1883. Why is the Weitzel lock so 
famous? When was the ship canal at Sault Ste. Marie ceded to the United 
btates? What can you say of the Poc lock? Write a history of the Soo 
canal Describe the political situation in Michigan in 1882. Give a brief 
sketch of Lroswell, Jerome, and Begole. Who were the United States senators 
trom our state at this time? Who succeeded Governor Begole? What state 
wl u°,"a/^u-'^^^*^^ ^* Houghton? Marquette? Ionia? Grand Rapids? 
Why had Michigan reason to be proud of her first fifty years of statehood? 
Mention some things in her career which cause regret. Why had some of 
these mistakes occurred.? 



CHAPTER XV. 

The Close oi^ the Nineteenth Century. 

Michigan Began Her Second Half Century with Cyrus 
G. Luce, a Branch county farmer, in the governership. 

Governor Luce's career was the dupHcate of the career of 
many a man who has graced pubUc hfe in this free land of 
Governor ours. Born in northern Ohio, in 1824, his edu- 
Cynis G. cation was hmited to the instruction imparted 
Luce in the proverbial log school-house, with three 

terms at the Northeastern Indiana Collegiate Institute. 

Young Cyrus was of that class of men who attain learn- 
ing without schooling and culture, without educational train- 
ing according to the established methods. He became a 
resident of Michigan in 1848, and as years passed, he added 
many broad acres to the original wild eighty which he first 
called home. 

He rose in the confidence of the people, from supervisor 
of his township to be a member in the legislature, — first 
of the house and later of the senate. He was state oil 
inspector by appointment of Governor Croswell, master of 
the state grange, and ultimately governor of his state. At 
the time of the election of Governor Luce, there was a lively 
interest in state politics. 

The Opposition to the Republican Party was vigorous 
and alert, even though at times it was a fusion of not wholly 
harmonious elements. Governor Luce secured his first elec- 
tion by the narrow margin of 7,432, and his election in i< 
by the majority of I7,i45' 

240 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



241 



One of the most noteworthy things in the administration 
A Conserv- ^f Governor Luce was the high public character 



ative Ad- 
ministra- 
tion 



of the governor himself. Although no state 
institutions were created, nor unusual legisla- 
tion enacted, still his administration will stand 
as one of the notable ones. 

While the governor was, of necessity, a partisan, he was 
Francis B. ^^'^^^ ^he kind of a man who required something 
Stock- more than partisanship as an endorsement of 

bridge, U. men and measures. 

S. Senator j^^ ^Ylq senatorial election of 1887, Francis B. 

Stockbridge of Kalamazoo, was chosen as the successor of 
Omer D. Conger. While 
Mr. Stockbridge had 
served in both houses of 
the state legislature, his 
greater reputation was in 
the business and com- 
mercial world. In the 
lumber and other indus- 
tries, he had been very 
successful. 

During these years, 
there was a somewhat 
active temperance senti- 
ment in the state. In 
1887, 

A Prohibitory 
Amendment to the 
Constitution was sub- 
mitted to the people. 
While the votes showed 
it to be defeated by a 
small majority, the friends of the measure were never satis- 
16 




DON. M. DICKINSON. 



242 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

fied that the return of the vote showed the exact condition, 
for the proposition carried by exceedingly large majorities 
in the interior counties. 

At the legislative session of 1889, ^^^ so-called 

Local Option Law was enacted to satisfy the demand for 
Temper- a more effective regulation of the liquor traffic. 

ance Like most local option measures, it has been far 

Agitation from satisfying in its results. 

Grover Cleveland was Now President of the United 
States, and honored Michigan by selecting two gentlemen 
from the state to fill high positions in his official family. 

George V. N. Lothrop of Detroit, a distinguished member 
National ^^ the Michigan bar, was appointed minister to 
Honors to Russia. 
Michigan Don M. Dickinson, whose services in the dem- 

^" ocratic party were already of a national charac- 

ter, was called to his cabinet as postmaster general. 

In the Campaign of 1890, the conditions which had given 
small majorities to both Governors Alger and Luce, still 
Democratic existed, and after a somewhat bitter contest, in 
Success which personalities largely figured, Edwin B. 

Winans of Livingston county, the democratic candidate for 
governor, was elected over James M. Turner by more than 
eleven thousand majority. 

Governor Winans, Like His Predecessor, was a prac- 
tical farmer of high character and strict integrity. His abili- 
Govemor ties were attested by the fact that he had served 
Edwin B. in the legislature of 1861 and 1865, had been 
"Winans judge of probate, a member of the constitutional 

convention of 1867, and twice elected to congress. 

Democratic Control at this time was destined to be short 
and stormy, although in many respects creditable. The par- 
ties in both branches of the legislature were so nearly equally 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 243 

divided that contests were frequent and sometimes acrimoni- 
ous. The administration was generally economical. 

The State Prison, for the only time in its history, be- 
came self-supporting, while the expenses of other institu- 
tions and those of the state government were materially 
reduced. 

The friends of the administration claimed the results 
attained were fruit of proper economy, while its opponents 
made claim that they were attained only through a parsimony 
that was unworthy of the state. 

The principal enactments of the legislative session were 
the so-called Miner law, a partisan measure whereby presi- 
dential electors were elected by congressional districts, 
instead of by the state at large, and under which three elec- 
toral votes from Michigan were cast for Cleveland for presi- 
dent in 1893 ; the perfecting of the so-called Australian 
ballot law. 

The mortgage tax law, whereby mortgages were taxed as 
an interest in realty, and not as personalty ; the law requiring 
corporations to pay a franchise fee before assuming corporate 
powers ; and the law changing the tax upon mines from the 
specific to the ad-valorem basis, were measures passed by this 
administration. 

The Election of 1892 returned state control to the repub- 
lican party. John T. Rich of Lapeer was elected governor, 
by a little more than 16,000 plurality. 

Governor Rich, at the time of his election to the governor- 
Governor ship, had been much in public life. He was the 
JohnT. fourth farmer governor, and like his predeces- 

Rich sQi-g Qf lYi^^ calling, he gave the state a strong 

and popular administration. 

At the time of his second election, in 1894, a reaction had 
taken place in the democratic party in Michigan, resulting 



244 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

from national policies, and Governor Rich received the 
largest plurality ever given to a governor in the state, 
although he only received some sixteen thousand votes more 
than he received two years before. 

For many years, governors had recommended in their mes- 
Three New sages the establishment of a home for the men- 
Institutions tally deficient. In 1893, the legislature pro- 
vided The Home for the Feeble-minded and Epileptic, at 
Lapeer. 

The same year the fourth asylum, known as the Upper 
Peninsula Hospital for the Insane, was located at Newberry. 

Up to this time, the state had confined its normal instruc- 
tion to the one school at Ypsilanti, but in 1895, the legisla- 
ture made a departure by creating the Central Michigan 
Normal School at Mt. Pleasant. This was followed, in 
1899, by the establishment of the Northern State Normal 
School, at Marquette, and in 1903, of the Western State Nor- 
mal School, at Kalamazoo, — all schools of pretentious 
character. 

The year 1895, likewise witnessed the donation by the 
national government to the state, of Mackinac Island for use 
Mackinac as a state park. On the island one may now see 
Island a the quaint old fortress of the long gone years. 

State Park ^j^^j ^ thousand beauties of art and nature, which 
have justly made the island famous among the many which 
entrance the voyager on our great fresh water seas. 

The Man, who now more than any other man, was direct- 
ing the current of political activities in Michigan, was James 
McMillan of Detroit. 

A native of Canada, he came to Detroit in his youth to em- 
James Mc- bark in a business career which he made emi- 
Millan, U. S. nently successful. Before his entrance into 
Senator political life, he was a man of great wealth. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 245 

Upon the expiration of the term of Senator Palmer, in 1899, 
McMillan was chosen as his successor. 

Unlike his predecessors in the high office, his political 
experience was limited to service upon some of the boards of 
his home city, and two terms as chairman of the state central 
committee of his party. 

He was a political organizer of consummate ability, and 
was three times the unanimous choice of his party for the 
exalted position which he occupied until his death, which 
occurred August 10, 1902. 

He was a man of few words and quiet demeanor, chival- 
rous and genial. The qualities of mind that made Senator 
McMillan a captain of industry, made him a man of large 
influence in the national senate. 

During the Administration of Governor Rich, in 1894, 
the people were shocked to learn that certain amendments to 
the constitution proposing an increase in salary for certain 
state officers, and which had been reported as carried at the 
elections of 1891 and 1893, had, in fact, been defeated, and 
that the returns showing favorable majorities were the pro- 
duct of fraud and criminality. 

A grand jury of Ingham county returned indictments 
against many persons in high official positions for connection 
with the affair. Although several trials were held, no one 
was ever convicted. 

Upon the death of Senator Stockbridge, April 30, 1894, 
Governor Rich gave the senatorial appointment 
ton Jr. and ^^ John Patton, Jr., of Grand Rapids. 
Julius C. Although an able man. Senator Patton was 

Burrows, comparatively unknown at the time of his ap- 
^- ®' pointment, and, at the ensuing session of the 

legislature, the contest for election resulted in 
the choice of Julius C. Burrows of Kalamazoo. 



246 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Gen. Alger 
Secretary 
of War 
and U. S. 
Senator 



Mr. Burrows was elected to congress m 1872, since which 
time he has been a prominent figure in state and national 
politics. He was re-elected to the senatorship, in 1899, and 
again, in 1905, he continues one of Michigan's representa- 
tives in the upper house of the national congress. 

General Russell A. Alger, who had continued active in 
public affairs, was called, in 1897, to the cabinet of President 
McKinley as secretary of war, where he continued in serv- 
ice until the close of the Spanish- American War, in 1899. 

The people of Michigan generally resented the criticism 
to which he was subjected by the eastern press, for the con- 
duct of his department during the war, and upon 
the death of Senator McMillan, his appointment 
to the vacancy thus created was popular with 
the people of the state, as was his election by 
the legislature a few months later. 

General Alger is still (in 1906) a member of the national 
senate. His frequent exhibitions of a kindly purpose and 
generous nature have 
endeared him to a large 
body of the people. 

The campaign of 1896 
was a memorable one in 
national affairs, and in 
the affairs of Michigan, 
as well. One of the 
results of the campaign 
in Michigan was the 

Election of Hazen S. 
Pingree to the govern- 
orship. Governor Pin- 
gree was a native of °^^^^ ^ pingree. 
Maine, where he was born, in 1840. 




HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 247 

Before his gubernatorial campaign he was known as a 
successful manufacturer, and mayor of Detroit for several 
Governor terms. He was a man of unique personality, 
Hazen S. and it is not beyond the facts to say that his 
Pingree administration was the most tumultous in the 

history of the state. 

While mayor he had attracted almost national attention, 
by proposing a scheme to assist the poor by allowing them 
to cultivate the vacant areas of the city, known, at the time, 
as 

Pingree's Potato Patch Scheme, and likewise for his 
persistent contest for cheaper gas and three cent railway 
fare. 

Since its organization, the Michigan Central Railroad had 
operated under a special charter from the state, which made 
it exempt from the general laws affecting other companies. 

Upon assuming the governorship. Governor Pingree began 
a crusade for the forfeiture of the special charter of the 
Michigan Central, and for what he denominated "Equal 
Taxation," which was, in effect, to change the method of 
taxing railroad corporations from the specific to the 
ad-valorum basis. 

The Governor Was Re=Elected in 1898, receiving more 
than sufficient democratic support to offset the opposition 
which he had engendered within his own party. There were 
four special sessions of the legislature during his four years 
of office, one during his first term, and three during his last. 

The governor's measures could generally command the 
support of the members of the house, but in the senate there 
was quite generally a majority arrayed against them. This 
majority of opposition in his first term came commonly to 
be designated as the 



248 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Immortal Nineteen, and the greater number were re- 
turned to the legislature of 1899. 

Laws repealing the charters of such railroads as had been 
organized by special charter, and providing means whereby 
they could bring suit to recover whatever damage they sus- 
tained by the repeal, were enacted. 

The State Tax Commission was created, and a law 
passed taxing railroad property on an ad-valorum basis. 

The principle of the law taxing railroads on a property 
tax, which had been enacted into what was known as the At- 
kinson Bill, was held unconstitutional by the supreme court. 

A Constitutional Amendment was at once proposed to 
obviate the obstacles imposed by the decision. This amend- 
ment was adopted by the people at the November election of 
1900, by a majority of more than 387,000. 

The repeal of the special railway charter has brought liti- 
gation involving vast sums. Some of this litigation is still 
pending. The state tax commission has increased the as- 
sessed value of the state by approximately five hundred mil- 
lions, and has been, by turn, the creature of both praise and 
denunciation. 

The law passed subsequent to the constitutional amend- 
ment taxing railways upon an ad-valorum basis, has recently 
been sustained by the United States supreme court, whereby 
the railroads will contribute upwards of $350,000 more an- 
nuallv in the form of taxes than they formerly contributed. 

The War with Spain occurred during the administra- 
tion of Governor Pingree. To the President's call for vol- 
unteers on April 23, 1898, no state responded more promptly 
than did Michigan, nor with troops more efficiently equipped. 

Within six days following the President's call, the Michi- 
gan naval reserves, three hundred strong, left Detroit for 
Newport News. Five regiments of nearly six thousand five 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 249 

hundred men responded, and went into southern camps, . 
while three regiments saw service in Cuba. 

The naval brigade saw service aboard the Yosemite, while 
two regiments of Michigan boys were at the battle of Fort 
Aguadores. 

It would have been more gratifying to state pride if the 
state's record in the Spanish-American War could have 
closed with the story of the unselfish service of her sons and 
daughters for their country's cause. 

Before the Troops Had Returned from their southern 
stations, there were rumors questioning the integrity of offi- 
cials high in authority. So persistent did these rumors be- 
come, that during the closing days of 1899, a grand jury 
was convened in Ingham county, charged with the duty of an 
investigation of the doings of certain officials, who had con- 
trolled the equipment of the state's volunteers. 

It was a matter of state shame and humiliation, when in- 
dictments were presented against many officials, occupying 
Military high positions of trust and" honor. The dis- 
Scandal closures showed a wide range of peculation 

and corruption, but the most astounding revelation was in 
connection with the state military board. Two of the mem- 
bers of this board, with a member of the governor's staff, 
had conspired with a firm of manufacturers of military sup- 
plies, to defraud the state of many thousands of dollars. 

The subsequent trials resulted in conviction of some of 
the accused, who were either heavily fined or pardoned from 
imprisonment by the governor, during the last days of his 
administration. 

Governor Pingree Died in London, England, on the 
i8th day of June, 1901, where he was taken ill as he was 
returning from a tour of Europe and Africa. He was 



260 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Death of subsequently buried at Detroit, amid the most 
Pingree imposing funeral pageant ever witnessed in that 

city. His life has been the subject of the highest encomiums, 
and the most impassioned criticism. 

True it is that Hazen S. Pingree was a better judge of 
measures than of men. In his city and state he gave vitality 
to great issues, and forced measures of vast public concern 
against powerful opposition with a persistency unequaled, 
but he allowed men of unscrupulous designs and dishonest 
purpose to gain his confidence, and prostitute his great popu- 
larity to their own selfish ends. 

Aaron T. Bliss, a wealthy Saginaw lumberman, was 
Governor elected to the governorship in November, 1900. 
Aaron T. His plurality of over 79,000 at that time, was 
Bliss succeeded by one of 37,000 in 1902. 

Governor Pingree, in his messages, had frequently urged 
the enactment of a law for the direct nomination of candi- 
dates for public ofiice. The principle came to be known as 
"Primary Reform." 

During the preliminary contest for nominations, in 1900, 
there were many charges and counter charges of bribery and 
corruption in connection with the canvass. These charges 
gave impetus to the issue of a reform in the primaries, which 
found expression in the succeeding legislature, in what was 
then known as the Colby bill. 

This measure, and the measure carrying into effect the 
constitutional amendment, permitting the taxation of rail- 
roads and other corporations on the ad-valorum basis, which 
bill allowed an increase of two members on the tax commis- 
sion, consumed the time of the legislature. The latter meas- 
ure became a law, but the former failed of passage in the 
senate. 

The Primary Reform Issue, however, gained in strength 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 251 

with the succeeding campaign, as it was given consideration 
in the state party platforms, and was a topic of extended 
pubHc discussion. 

A bill to carry the principle into effect promptly, passed 
the house of 1903, but like its predecessor, failed of passage 
in the senate. 

At this session, the bill for the creation of the Western 
State Normal School, which had received the governor's 
Two New veto at the previous session, was now passed, 
Institutions together with a bill to create an institution sub- 
sequently located at Saginaw, and known as Michigan 
Employment Institution for the Blind. 

This institution is designed to give state aid in industrial 
employment to a class of unfortunates, whose defect consti- 
tutes a serious handicap in their struggle for existence in the 
open field of competition. 

The Issue Presented by the principle of direct nomina- 
tion, or primary reform, continued to be the absorbing topic 
of political discussion, and was an important factor in the 
gubernatorial campaign of 1904. At the election of that 
year, Theodore Roosevelt, as candidate for President, 
received a popular plurality of 227,700, the largest, by more 
than a hundred thousand, that was ever given to any indi- 
vidual in the history of the state. At the same election, 

Fred M. Warner of Farmington, was elected governor 
Governor by a plurality of 60,228. Governor Warner, 
Fred M. prior to his last election, had served acceptably 

Warner ^g ^ member of the state senate and as secretary 

of state in the administration of Governor Bliss. 

The legislature of 1905 enacted a somewhat intricate and 
cumbersome measure for direct nominations that will 
require material revision and amendment to become adequate 
to the end desired. 



252 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

With Increasing Majorities, a spirit of partisanship has 
became manifest in legislation, more pronounced than in 
A Proposed former years. There has been a disposition to 
Revision of interfere, through the legislature, in municipal 
the Consti- and county affairs in a manner that has been a 
tution source of general irritation. 

The growth of cities, the great development in the indus- 
trial world, have brought new problems for solution, and a 
conviction has gained ground to the effect that the 

Constitution of 1850 is no longer adequate to the needs 
of the twentieth century. So strong has this conviction 
become that the proposition for a constitutional convention, 
submitted by the legislature of 1905, was adopted by the 
people at the April election of 1906, by a decisive vote. 

If the Constitution That May Be Formulated shall be 
adopted by the people, it will be because the work is most 
ably and conscientiously done. On many occasions, the 
people have shown their great conservatism when dealing 
with their organic law. 

They have shown by repeated votes that they are able to 
discriminate between propositions that are desirable, and 
those where their defeat best serves the interests of the state. 

They have likewise shown that they will allow no set of 
propositions, however desirable, to carry through other pro- 
positions that are inimical to their interests. 

As a rule, the wisdom and discrimination shown by the 
people of the state in their votes upon constitutional ques- 
tions, is one of the reassuring facts in our history. 

REVIEW. 
Sketch the life and career of Cyrus G. Luce. What is the local option law? 
Why has it not been entirely satisfactory? Name the Michigan men honored 
by Grover Cleveland. What four important measures were passed during 
Winan's administration? Give the chief provisions of each. Tell of the life, 
character and ability of Edwin B. Winans. What state institutions were located 
during Rich's term of office, and where? Where are our state normal schools 
located? When did Mackinac Island become the property of the state, and 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



253 



for what purpose? Give an account of the character and achievements of 
James McMillan. What election frauds in 1894 affected state omcials and 
how? How did Russell A. Alger serve the nation during President McKinley s 
administration? Who represent Michigan in the United btates senate _ai 
present? Name some of Hazen S. Pingree's reforms. Why was his adminis- 
tration tumultuous? Tell what you can of his life. ^ What was the immortal 
Nineteen?" Mention the important legislation of Pingree s governorship. 
Give the duties of the tax commission. Tell of Michigan s part in the bpanish- 
American war. What frauds and corruptions were revealed after this war, and 
how? What honors were accorded Hazen S. Pingree at his death? Give the 
meaning of primary reform. Tell something of Aaron T. Bliss? btate the 
importance of the primary reform movement during his governorship. Mate 
the purpose of the Michigan E:mployment Institution for the Blind. When 
and where was it established? What was the chief issue of the state campaign 
of 1904, and who was elected? Why is there a movement to change the con- 
stitution of 1850? 




ALPHBUS FELCH. (See Page 187.) 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Michigan Today. 

On the Second Day of June, 1835, Lewis Cass presented 
to the forthcoming state a seal, upon which was engraved 
the motto, Si qiiaeris peninsiilam amoenam circumspice. (If 
you wish to see a beautiful peninsula look around you). 




THE STATE SEAL. 



If this motto was expressive of the sentiments of the state 
The State building pioneers, how much more so should it 
Seal be to us, the heirs of their sacrifices and toil. 

Here, as in the other states, marvels unprecedented have 

254 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 255 

been, and are still being enacted. The seventy years that 
have passed have witnessed a transformation vast in extent 
and wonderful in character, surpassing any similar record in 
the history of civilization. 

In 1890, the population of the state passed the two million 
mark, and according to the last census 2,530,016 had found 
homes within our borders. Already a quarter of a million 
more people reside in Michigan than resided in the whole 
northwest when Michigan sought to be admitted to state- 
hood. 

As We Have Grown in Population, from the days when 
Isaac E. Crary was our sole representative in congress, the 
number has increased, until now we are represented by 
twelve members in that body. 

The state government, as compared with early years, has 
lost its simplicity. With the creation of new institutions, 
and the extension of state supervision into fields where, fifty 
years ago, such interference was unknown, our state govern- 
ment has become vastly more complex and expensive. 

State Institutions alone have given rise to numerous 
boards and commissions. The board of regents and the 
state board of education respectively have charge of the Uni- 
versity and the normal schools, as the state board of agri- 
State culture has of the Agricultural College, and the 
Boards and experimental work it prosecutes. Other insti- 
Bureaus tutions have each been provided with separate 
and independent boards of control. 

In a measure, over all charitable and penal institutions is 
the state board of correction and charities. Departments 
have been created and placed in charge of boards or commis- 
sioners, supervising railroads, banking, insurance, labor, pub- 
lic health, fisheries, highways, pardons, and food and dairy 



256 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

products. We have officers empowered to inspect certain 
commodities, such as salt and illuminating oils. 

The game laws are under the special supervision of a 
state game warden, who, like the inspectors of commodities, 
has a numerous corps of assistants. 

There are still other boards having in charge many special 
subjects, from forestry and geological survey, to passing 
upon the qualifications of applicants who desire to engage in 
various trades and professions. 

The Growth of the Judiciary has been equal to that in 
the administrative branch of the government. 

There are now eight members of the supreme court and 
thirty-eight circuits, the latter varying in population from 
18,000 to 121,000, and in extent from one to six counties. 
So great has been the growth in state institutions and gov- 
ernmental activity, that a state tax of $113,769.56 with a 
total expenditure of $166,975.43 from the general fund, in 
Expenses of 1850, has become a state tax of $3,527,159.61 
State Gov- with a total expenditure of $4,270,917.74 from 
ernment ^he same fund, in 1905. During the same time, 

the assessed valuation of the state has increased from ap- 
proximately $100,000,000 to $1,600,000,000. Contributions 
to this vast wealth have been from no one field of industry. 

The Resources of Michigan have been, and still are, 
vast and varied. Her forests in their primitive grandeur 
were unexcelled. Her broad fields are fat with fertility. 
Her mines are well-nigh inexhaustible. 1,600 miles of coast 
line give ready access to rich fisheries, and to a commerce of 
immense proportions. 

Chief Among the Industries of the state is that of agri- 
culture. While confined to no one section, agriculture has 
its greatest values in the southern counties. There the great 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 257 

staples of husbandry are produced, both in variety and pro- 
fusion. 

Michigan today has approximately two hundred thousand 
farms, comprising more than sixteen million acres, of which 
more than two-thirds is improved land. 

These farms represent an investment in lands and person- 
alty of $745,384,320. This is more than forty-two per cent 
of the state's total valuation, and more than double the cap- 
ital invested in the state's manufacturing industries. 

Eighty-seven per cent of the farms of Michigan are culti- 
vated by their owners, and they annually produce values 
ranging from $150,000,000 to $175,000,000. 

In this enormous total, live stock, hay, and the staple cereal 

products lead. Potatoes are a crop of much commercial 

« . ,^ importance in the northern counties. We pro- 
Agriculture , ^ .„. i , , . 
duce as many as twenty-six million bushels m 

a year, and take fourth rank among the states in the produc- 
tion of this. one important staple. 

Michigan is the first in the production of beans, peas, 
celery, chicory, and peppermint. She is second in the pro- 
duction of sugar beets and small fruits. In milk produc- 
tion she is surpassed by only the great states of New York, 
Pennsylvania, and Ohio. As a wool producing state she 
ranks second among the states east of the Mississippi river. 
The acreage devoted to the one crop of beans in Michigan 
for the year 1904, was but little short of the acreage of the 
average county. 

Fruit is likewise an important and growing item among 
the agricultural products of the state. The apple reaches 
perfection in most of the counties of the southern half of 
the state, but with the peach it is fast becoming the specialty 
of the Lake Michigan shore. 
17 



258 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

The counties of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, Kent, and 
Oceana leading among the counties in the production of 
both the apple and the peach. In the first two counties, the 
grape and the strawberry are likewise crops of much finan- 
cial importance. 

Michigan's average fruit crop has an annual value of not 
far from eight and one-half million dollars. 

The state's poultry and dairy product is rapidly growing 
in value. The yearly tgg product alone has a value of 




A BEET SUGAR FACTORY. 



seven and one-half million dollars for 1904, a sum which 
exceeds, by two million dollars, the ctate's beet sugar, which 
has been a matter of much state pride. 

Great as are the agricultural interests of the state, they 
are, nevertheless, yielding somewhat to the growth of cities 
and manufacturing centers. 

More than one-half of the people now live in the cities 
and villages, whereas, not many years ago, two-thirds were 
upon the farms. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 259 

Between the federal census of 1900 and the state census 
of 1904, the number of farms suffered a marked reduction, 
the farmer being unable in many instances to compete in 
the labor market with the wages paid in manufacturing and 
other lines of industry. 

Next in Importance to Agriculture among the resources 
of Michigan has been its wonderful forests. When white 
men first visited our territory, the occasional prairies of the 



^^f^-M^i" "'k! 




WEEDING BEETS IN GRATIOT COUNTY. 



southern border were hedged about by the great forests of 
oak, beech, maple, ash, and elm. Giant walnuts were fre- 
quent in the rich bottom lands, and towering whitewoods on 
the swelling ridges. 

From the northward, the majestic pine forests inter- 
spersed with hemlock and great belts of hardwood timber, 
extended as far south as Allegan upon the west 
and Genesee in the middle east. 



260 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

For many years, Michigan led in the value of its timber 
products. Although this place she has been compelled to 
yield to Wisconsin, she still has a production far surpassing 
any other single line of manufacturing. 

The census of 1904 showed timber products for the year 
valued at $40,569,335. To this might be added many mil- 
lion dollars of products which are dependent upon the timber 
industry. 

The Lumber Industry is now largely confined to the 
hard wood, there being but comparatively few mills with a 
running supply of pine. Even with ever-increasing prices, 
the business is showing a steady decline. 

Its highest point was reached in 1890, when it attained 
an output of the value of $83,121,969. In 1900, this had 
shrunk to $54,290,520, while four years later, it was reduced 
by nearly fourteen million more. 

The destruction of our forests has been with reckless 
abandon. The evil effects of the policy that has been toler- 
ated, are now very apparent. It has had an effect upon 
climatic conditions, as well as in the impairment of a 
source of state wealth that a duty to future generations 
requires us to protect. 

Although the conditions presented were those which the 
state was tardy in recognizing, it has at last awakened to 
the real danger. 

A Forestry Commission has been created, and a forestry 
reserve of many thousands of acres in Roscommon and 
Crawford counties has been set aside upon which the work 
of reforestering has been begun. 

There are vast tracts of northern Michigan that, as yet, 

have never been found available for any other purpose than 

forest. The work is only in its infancy, and 

anything like a successful showing will require 

long years of patience. It is hoped that a lesson has been 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



261 



learned from the past, 
and that the future will 
find Michigan with 
forests that shall be of 
increasing value, and 
with forest laws as judi- 
ciously administered as 
are the forest laws of 
Europe. 

The Mines of Mich- 
igan have been another 
of her great storehouses 
of wealth. For variety 
and richness of store, the 
mineral deposits of 
Michigan are excelled 
by few, if any, areas of 
equal extent upon the 
surface of the globe. 

The inception of 
the iron industry 
has already been 
described ; from 
that day to this it 
has been a business 
of continuing de- 
velopment. 

The iron mines of the state are limited to the west- 
ern half of the upper peninsula. For many years, the 
Marquette range had a monopoly on iron pro= 
duction. In 1877, the Menominee range began 
adding its rich contribution. This- was augmented by that 




Iron Mines 



*Pioneer of the Upper Peninsula, now residing at Marquette, widely known 
and respected. 



262 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



of the Gogebic range, whose active development began in 
1885. 

For many years, Michigan had first place in the iron pro- 
duction of the nation and the world. Recently, the soft 
ores of the Vermilion and Alesaba ranges of Minnesota 
have given the lead in quantity to that state, although the 
higher grade of the Michigan product has left the lead in 
value with Michigan. 

In 1902,* Michigan produced 11,135,215 tons of the value 
of $20,695,860. The immensity of this production is better 




MAMMOTH ORE DOCKS AT ESCANABA. 



realized when we consider that the ore, at 60 per cent pure 
iron, would make more than 100,000 miles of steel rails, 
weighing eighty pounds to the yard, more than sufficient 
to provide a double track around the earth at the equator. 

These great properties, as well as those of Minnesota, are 
now under the control of the United States Steel Company 



'Shipments of Michigan iron ore for 1905, from the various ranges, was 
as follows: From the Marquette 4,210,522 tons, from the Menominee 4,495,- 
451, and from the Gogebic 3,705,207; a total shipment for the year of 12,411,- 
180 tons. 



HISTORY Ol- MICHIGAN. 



263 



which is itself but a part of the great Standard Oil com- 
bination. This great aggregation of capital, now centered 
in comparatively few hands, has not only acquired the 
mineral lands, but it owns and controls the railroads over 
which the ore is drawn to the great ore docks, and the 
mighty fleets that transport it to the mills and furnaces, 
which they likewise control in Ohio and Pennsylvania. 
Some slight appreciation of the possibilities for wealth 




DESCENDING INTO A COPPER MINE.* 



which these vast holdings have for their owners, can be had 
when we realize that, from Michigan alone, the saving of 
a cent a ton on the handling of the ore from mine to furnace 



*The skip or man car carries about thirty men. As shown in the picture, 
they are lowered into the shaft, which has about an angle of 38 degrees. The 
most ot the men will descend to a depth of more than 4000 feet before they 
reach the level or floor from whence they proceed to their work. 



264 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

means more than one hundred thousand dollars annually in 
profits. 

If Michigan has enjoyed a pre-eminence in the produc- 
tion of iron, her pre-eminence in the field of copper pro- 
duction has been no less marked. 

Qopper is largely the product of the Keweenaw penin- 
sula, a high and rugged point of land that juts midway 
from the mainland into the great Superior. A belt of dark 
covered rock, sometimes called the trap or mineral range. 
Copper extends from the Porcupine mountains to the 

Mines extremity of Keweenaw point. It is in this rock 

that the native, or pure copper, is found. Half way towards 
the northern extremity of Keweenaw point Is located the 
great Calumet and Hecla mine, which in production and 
equipment, is one of the mining wonders of the world. 

While the Calumet and Hecla is the mine of greatest out- 
put, there are others such as the Tamarack, the Osceola, and 
the Quincy farther south that are rich in production. From 
1847 to 1884, Michigan produced from fifty to ninety per 
cent of the nation's output of copper, although we are now 
producing but twenty-five per cent. 

It is not that Michigan is producing less, but Montana 
and Arizona are producing more. Up to 1903, the Calumet 
and Hecla had supplied fifty-five per cent of the Michigan 
product, and eight per cent of the copper of the world. 
From 1845 to 1903, Michigan added 3,181,758,801 pounds 
of copper to the copper stock of the world; 192,299,191 
pounds of the money value of $20,100,425.00, being the 
product of the latter year. 

Today, at the many shafts of the mines mentioned, the 
copper bearing rock is being brought to the surface from 
more than a mile below. The rock is borne by train loads 
to the crushers at Lake Linden. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 265 

At Dollar Bay, the copper is smelted and cast into ingots 
from the size of a paper weight, to bars of seventy and 
more pounds weight. As in the case of iron, so with copper ; 
the princely dividends torn from the earth are to the profit 
of New York and Boston. Aside from the wages to labor, 
but a meager pittance through state taxation is made avail- 
able for the benefit of the whole people. 

Gold has been found in various places in the upper pen- 
insula, and mining operations have been conducted on one 
property in the vicinity of Ishpeming. 

The quartz at times discovered has been rich in quality, 
but is too limited in quantity to encourage the hope that 
gold mining is to add to our mineral wealth. 
In most of the copper mines of the region, 
silver is likewise a limited product. Small masses of native 
copper are not unfrequently found, joined to other masses 
of native silver. 

Such are designated as "half breeds," and are sometimes 
sorted from the major product, as it comes from the 
crushers, but at an expense nearly equal to the value of the 
silver obtained. 

Building Stone of superior quality is found in various 
parts of the state. The upper peninsula yields the beautiful 
Portage entry sandstone, and many ornamental stones, 
including marble, agates, jasper, chalcedony, and chloras- 
trolites. 

To people of the lower peninsula, the peculiarly mottled 
sandstone from the Ionia quarries is familiar. As yet, the 
stone industry has not been much developed in Michigan. 
When it shall be, much stone of a superior quality will be 
found in many portions of the state. 

Limestone abounds and is a commercial product in the 
counties of Emmet, Eaton, Wayne, and Monroe, and could 



266 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

be made so in many localities of the upper peninsula should 
ihe demand make it profitable. 

In the production of grindstones, Michigan holds second 
place among the states, a superior article being taken from 
the quarries of Huron county. The same county has like- 
wise quarries of slate of good quality. 

Gypsum in extensive beds exists in the counties of Kent 
and Iosco. In the former county, they are from ten to twelve 
square miles in extent. 

From the mineral, a business approximating a half million 
dollars a year is done in the manufacture of land plaster, 
plaster of paris, alabastine, and kindred products. 

Salt is the leading mineral product in the lower peninsula. 
Such is the peculiar geological formation of the state, that in 
certain sections wells are sunk that strike vast beds of salt. 
From these wells there flows, or is pumped, brine of the 
highest quality. This is evaporated, either by artificial heat 
or the rays of the sun, leaving a residue of pure salt. 

The seat of this industry was originally in the Saginaw 
valley, because the lumber industry there for- 
merly made it economical to use the lumber 
refuse to evaporate the brine. 

The waning of the lumber business in that region has 
transferred the supremacy of salt manufacture to the coun- 
ties of Manistee, St. Clair, and Wayne in the order named. 
Michigan is the first salt producing state In the Union. 

There have been years when her production amounted to 
seven million barrels, — more than one-third of the national 
production. In 1905, the state produced 5,936,169 barrels. 

It may help us to comprehend the magnitude of this 
amount by knowing that these barrels, standing side by side, 
would extend from the city of Jackson to the Straits of 
Mackinaw. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 267 

Although not of as high a quahty as exists in neighbor- 
ing states, 

Bituminous Coal exists and extends over a large area 
within the state. 11,300 square miles of the lower peninsula 
are denominated coal lands. For many years, the mines at 
Jackson were the ones of principal production. Eaton, Ing- 
ham, and Shiawassee counties have also had active mines. 



>v 




CEMENT PLANT. 



but during the last ten years the Saginaw valley has been 
the field of greatest production. The year 1903 was the 
year of greatest activity in coal mining, 1,581,346 tons being 
produced, which had a commercial value of $2,789,742. 

Michigan's Vast and Varied Natural Resources have 
made it possible for her people to easily take advantage of the 
new discoveries in the chemical world. Among such may be 
menHoned the soda ash works of Wyandotte, while another 
industry not more than ten years old in Michigan, but which 



268 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

is attaining large proportions, is that of the manufacture of 
hydraulic cement. 

The Immense Beds of Marl, and the proximity of the 
other ingredients of cement have advanced Michigan w^ell to 
the front in the production ^ of this valuable commodity. 
Factories are located at Fenton, Alpena, Bronson, Elk 
Rapids, Farwell, Marlborough, Nev^aygo, Mosherville, 
Cement City, Union City, Manchester, Chelsea, Coldwater, 
Quincy, Wyandotte and Bellevue. 

According to the 1906 report of the Commissioner of 
Mineral Statistics 2,618,400 barrels of cement v^as manu- 
factured in 1905. There is destined to be an 
increasing demand for the product, and as the 
state affords a well nigh inexhaustible supply of materials, 
v^e may expect the cement industry to become yearly more 
prominent. 

The Industries of Michigan are not confined to forests, 
fields, and mines. 

During the year 1902, our hardy fishermen took more than 
forty-six million pounds of food fish from the great lakes, 
which had a value approximating one and a half million 
dollars. 

The Value of the Inland Fisheries can not, of course, be 
known. They approach, if they do not surpass, the value 
of the commercial fisheries. In season, people from far dis- 
tant states can be found in great numbers upon the pictur- 
esque trout streams of the north, or angling for the game 
fish of its many beautiful lakes. 

So important is the subject that the state, through its 

board of fish commissioners, expends more than 
Fislisrics 

eighty thousand dollars annually in fish culture. 

By this commission, the lakes and streams are annually 

replenished with millions of fry from the state hatcheries 

located at Sault Ste. Marie, Mill Creek, Paris, and Detroit. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 269 

So great have been the natural resources of the state that, 
for many years, the people have been intent upon their 
development rather than in the prosecution of 

Manufacturing Industries. In recent years, such indus- 
tries have advanced with ever increasing strides. The water 
power of the state is fast being utilized, and its energy, in 
the form of electric currents, is being applied. 

Michigan is not yet a state which leads in her manufac- 
turies, but the majority of her people no longer live upon the 
farms. According to the census of 1904, 82,492, more than 
half of the people, are the residents of cities and villages. 

The great industrial development of the nation has made 
this result inevitable. 

An Ever Increasing Army is required to supply the 
demands of modern luxury and necessity. At the close of the 
war, in 1865, the value of Michigan manufacturies, including 
the products of mines and fisheries, did not exceed thirty- 
five million dollars annually. 

Today, not including mines and fisheries, the factories of 
the state will show an annual output of a value of more than 
four hundred million dollars. 

They give daily employment to more than two hundred 
thousand of our people. In 1904, there were sixty-six lines 
of manufacturies that yielded more than a million dollars 
each per year. 

Following the lumber industry already mentioned, other 
lines showed values as follows : Foundry and machine shop 
supplies, $22,427,265; furniture, $18,421,736; steam railway 
cars, $13,467,751; carriages, $12,101,170; leather, $9,340,- 
349; chemicals, $8,957,168; agricultural implements, $8,717,- 
719; paper and wood pulp, $7,340,631 ; stoves and furnaces, 
$7,112,874; automobiles, $6,876,708. 

Detroit Leads in the value of her manufactured products, 



270 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



among her leading lines being railway cars, stoves, chemic- 
als, and tobacco. 

Grand Rapids is known the world over as the furniture 
city. It is the leading city of the state in that industry, in 
which the state holds third place. 

Flint is distinctively a carriage town, a line that is like- 
Manufac- wise of much importance in the towns of Pon- 
turing tiac, Jackson, and Kalamazoo. The last two 

Centers cities, with Alpena, Cheboygan, Munising, 

Otsego, and Ypsilanti, are extensively engaged in the manu- 
facture of paper. 



j>~-» »j_j. -- ••j5sw,,ofi;«-'^tr_ 




A MODERN VEHICLE FACTORY. (See Page 196.) 



Ship building is carried on at Bay City, Port Huron, 
Wyandotte, and Detroit. Saginaw is strong in planing mills 
and foundry products. 

Automobiles are being made in many cities, but are 
becoming an extensive specialty in the city of Lansing, 
where the industry for Michigan had its birth. 

Belding is the seat of a considerable silk industry, and 
with Owosso, Battle Creek, Cadillac, Muskegon, and many 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 271 

other cities, shares in the manufacture of diversified products 
of large amount. 

The Development of Such Vast Natural Resources 

and the prosecution of great industrial enterprises could not 
but result in the enormous increase of state commerce. 

The dreams of the men, who looked forward from 1840, 
have been more than realized. The year 1904 closed with 
8,506 miles of railroad, and many miles of electric road with- 
in the state. 

The Gross Eatnings of the Steam Roads reached the 
stupendous total of $50,243,690.95. Connected with* the 
steam roads of Michigan alone is an army of 34,036 
employees ; a number equal to the total population of the 
county of Wayne in 1864. 

The Growth of the Lake Commerce has become equally 
stupendous. Through the locks at the "Soo" passes annually 
more tonnage than passes through the interocean highway 
at Suez, and by Detroit more than enters the port of New 
York. 

During the year 1905, freight, to the amount of 44,270,680 
tons passed the locks at the "Soo," eighty-eight per cent 
passing through the American locks. Had this tonnage been 
transported by rail it would have required 10,325 miles of 
the average freight cars. 

Today there are ships 600 feet in length that take twice 
Commerce and three times the largest loads of ten years 
of the ago. In June, 1906, the J. Pierpont Morgan, a 

Lakes steamer of this class, carried a load of 13,294 

gross tons of iron ore, a load for 330 cars of forty tons 
capacity each. 

The Great Ordinance of 1787 enjoined that "Morality 
and the means of education should forever be encouraged." 



272 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 




JAMES B. ANGELL, 
President University of Michigan. 



Michigan as a part of the great empire then created can 
now, after the lapse of a hundred 
and twenty years, truly say that 
she has kept the faith. School 
houses and church spires have ever 
been on the front line of her 
advances. 

Today there are 550,000 children 
enrolled in her common schools, 
OurEdu- and 18,000 are in her 
cational higher and special 

System institutions of learning. 

The University, established amid 
hardships and privations, now 
counts among its four thousand 
students, men and women from 
every state, from the nations of the old world, and from the 
islands of the sea. The same can be said of her agricultural, 
mining, and normal schools. To maintain her educational 
system, the state expends more than ten million dollars 
annually. 

Michigan is no Longer Upon the Frontier. She has 
become a great state in a great nation. In her history there 
still lives the charm of romance, the daring of the explorer 
and the virtue of the pioneer. Her people, proud of progress 
attained, have their faces toward the future ever hopeful 
for new and grander achievements. They are not forgetful 
that many of the sources of their strength lie in the expe- 
riences of the past ; that from the story of those who have 
gone before they draw guidance and courage, as from the 
Great Lakes, a thousand pine clad hills and sunny vales, they 
draw inspiration for holy thoughts and noble deeds. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 273 



re;vie:w. 

What is the state motto? Give its meaning. How has the population of 
Michigan changed? How many representatives have we in congress at present? 
Name some state boards and give duties of each. Mention other state affairs 
managed and controlled by boards and commissioners. Describe the present 
state judiciary. Describe Michigan as an agricviltural state and name her 
chief products. How is the population of Michigan distributed? Tell of the 
extent and importance of the lumber industry. What is the work of the 
forestry commission? When and by whom was this commission created? What 
can you say of our mineral wealth and its development; (a) iron, (b) copper, 
(c) gold, (d) silver? What building stones are found in Michigan? Locate 
the best quarries. Of what importance are gypsum beds? Locate the most 
valuable. Of what value and importance is our salt industry? Where are the 
best coal beds of the state? Mention and locate valuable chemical manufac- 
tures of Michigan. Tell of the value of our fisheries, and the work of the 
fish commission. For what manufactured products is Detroit noted? Grand 
Rapids? Flint? Fontiac? Jackson? Kalamazoo? etc. Compare the present 
state commerce with that of 1850, What is the condition of education in 
Michigan today? 



18 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Edward, 80. 
Abbott, Robert, 156. 
Abraham, Plains of, 60. 
Agricultural College, 210. 
Agriculture, 257. 
Alger, Russell A., 235, 246. 
Algonquin Indians, 21. 
Allouez, Claude, 34, 38. 
Amendments to Constitution, 

195. 197, 223, 240, 247, 251. 
Angell, James B., 272. 
Apples, 258. 
Astor, John Jacob, 127. 
Asylum for Insane Criminals, 

Ionia, 235. 
Australian Ballot, 243. 
Automobiles, 270. 

Bagley, John J., 228, 231. 
Balboa, 11. 

Baldwin, Henry P., 224, 228, 234. 
Bank, Farmers and Mechanics, 

168. 
Bank, First in Michigan. 167. 
Bank of Pennsylvania, 175. 
Bank of Singapore, 172. 
Bank of Kensington, 172. 
Bank of Brest, 172. 
Banks, "Wild Cat," 172. 
Banks, "Red Dogs," 173. 
Barry, John S., 185, 186, 208. 
Bates, Frederick, 103. 
Beans, 258. 

Begole, Josiah W., 234. 
Bellestre, M. de, 60. 
Beet Sugar, 179, 257. 
Bingham, Kingsley S., 206, 207, 

208, 221. 
Bird, Capt. Henry, 85. 
Black Hawk, 140, 142. 
Blair, Austin, 217. 
Bliss. Aaron T., 250. 
Bloody Run, Battle of, 69. 



Boone, Daniel, 79. 

Brant, John, 90, 108. 

Bref, Recit, 19. 

Brebeuf, 27, 28. 

Brock, General, 113, 115. 

Brown, Gen. Joseph W., 141, 147. 

Brule, Etienne, 23. 

Buchanan, James, 218. 

Burrows, Julius C, 245. 

Burt, William A., 188. 

Butler, Colonel, 123. 

Cabot, John and Sebastian, 11. 
Cadillac, Antoine de la Mothc, 

50, 59. 
Calumet and Hecla, 237. 
Campbell, James V., 150, 211. 
Campbell. Captain Donald, 03. 
Canada Company, The, 56. 
Carriages, 270. 

Cartier, Jacques, 15, 16, 17, 18. 
Cass, Lewis, 110, 113, 123, 125, 

135, 162. 182, 194, 212, 218. 
Cavelier. Robert (LaSalle), 41. 
Celery, 258. 
Cement, 268. 
Census. 130, 135, 214, 225, 259, 

260. 
Champlain, 19. 24. 
Chandler, Zachariah. 200, 212, 

229, 230. 
Chapoton. Alexander, 227. 
Charlevoix, 58. 
Chicory, 258. 

Chippewa Indians, 29, 105. 
Cholera, 141. 

Christiancy. Isaac P.. 211. 230. 
Clark, George Rogers. 79. 
Clay, Henry. 109, 226. 
Clay, General Green. 118. 
Cleveland, Grover, 242. 
Coal, 267. 
Commerce, 257, 271. 



274 



INDEX. 



275 



Conger, Omar D., 234. 
Cooley, Thomas M., 211. 
Copper, 189, 263. 
Cortez, 11. 
Courcelles, 33. 
Crapo, Henry H., 221. 
Crary, Isaac E., 150, 157. 
Croghan, Major, 119. 
Croswell, Charles M., 232. 
Custer, George A., 228. 
Cutler, Dr. Manassah, 96. 

Dablon, Claude, 34. 
Dairy Products, 259. 
Dalzell, Captain, 69. 
Dane, Nathan, 98. 
Daumont, 35. 
Deaf School at Flint, 192. 
DeGalnee, 42. 
Dejean, Phillip, 74. 
DeMonts, 20. 
DeNarvaez, 11. 
DePeyster, Major, 84, 88. 
DeSoto, 11. 

Dickinson, Don. M., 241. 
Dickson, Captain Robert, 119. 
Dobbins, Daniel, 119. 
Dodge, Colonel Henry, 141. 
Dollier, Francois, 42. 
Dorchester, Lord, 88. 
Doty, James Duane, 134. 
Douglas, Maj. Ephraim, 87. 
Dubuisson, Siena, 58. 
DuLhut, Daniel, 48, 49, 55. 

Educational Funds, 158, 198. 
Employment Institution for 

Blind, Saginaw, 251. 
Etherington, Captain George, 71. 
Everett, P. M., 189. 

Fallen Timbers, Battle of, 92. 
Farms, 226. 

Farnsworth, Elon, 159. 
Felch, Alpheus, 187. 
Ferry, Thomas W., 224, 234. 
Findlay, Colonel, 110. 
Fisheries, 268. 

Fletcher, William A., 143, 159. 
Florida, Peninsula of, 11. 



Forests, 259. 

Forestry Commission, 260. 

Fox Indians, 58. 

French and Indian War, 59. 

Frenchtown, Battle of, 116. 

Frontenac, 38, 50. 

"Frost Bitten" Convention, 153. 

Fruit, 258. 

Fulton Line, 145. 

Furniture, 270. 

Galvez, Bernardo, 86. 
Gazette, Detroit, 128. 
Geological Survey, 161. 
Germain. Lord George, 78. 
Gibault, M., 80. 
Gilpin, Henry D., 144. 
Girty, Simon. 
Gitche Gomee, 29, 32, 34. 
Gladwin, Major, 63 to 70. 
Gold, 265. 

Gordon, James Wright, 185. 
Grapes, 259. 
Graves, Major, 117. 
Graves, Benjamin F., 211. 
Greenley, William L., 187. 
Griffin, John, 103. 
Griffin, The, 44, 47. 
Griswold, Stanley, 103. 
Grosvenor, Ebenezer O., 227. 
Gypsum, 266. 

Haldimand, Gov. Gen., 84, 87. 

Hamilton, Henry, 76. 

Hamilton, Alexander, 215. 

Hanks, Lieut., 102. 

Harmar, General Joseph, 91. 

Harris Line, 145. 

Harrison, William Henry, 101, 

102, 108, 115. 
Hayes, John, 189. 
Heald, Captain, 115. 
Hennepin, Father, 45. 
Henry, Alexander, 71. 
Henry, Patrick, 79. 
Hickox, Rev. Joseph, 127. 
Home for Feeble Minded and 

Epileptic, Lapeer, 244. 
Horner, John, 149. 



276 



INDEX. 



Hospital for Insane, Newberry, 

244. 
Houghton. Douglass, 162, 190. 
Howard, Benjamin C, 147. 
Howard, Henry, 156. 
Howard, Jacob M., 221, 222. 
Hudson, Henry, 20. 
Hull, William. 103, 109, 110. 
Hundred Associates, Company 

of the, 23. 
Huntington, Samuel, 103. 
Huron Indians, 21, 29, 30, 31. 

Immortal Nineteen, 248. 
Industrial Home for Girls, 

Adrian, - 233. 
Industrial School for Boys, 

Lansing, 211. 
Insane Asylum, Kalamazoo, 192. 
Insane Asylum, Pontiac, 229. 
Insane Asylum, Traverse City, 

233. 
Iron, 261, 262. 

Iroquois Indians, 21, 22, 30. 
Irving, Washington, 180. 

Jackson, Andrew, 168. 
Jay's Treaty, 92. 
Jefiferson, Thomas, 96, 215. 
lerome, David H., 232. 
Jesuits, 26, 27, 29, 30, 34, 45. 
Jogues, Isaac, 28. 
Johnson, Sir William, 72. 
Johnson, Richard M., 122. 
Joliet, Louis, 38, 39. 
Joncaire, Chas. F. Chabert de, 100. 

Kearney, Phil., 195. 
Kingsbury, Colonel, 110. 

LaCaron, 22, 27. 
LaForet, 58. 
LaHoutan, Baron, 50. 
Lalement, Charles, 27. 
Land Grants, 238. 
Langlade, Charles, 60. 
LaSalle, 41, 48. 
Lernoult, Major, 81. 
LeRoy, Daniel, 156. 



Lewis, Colonel, 116. 
Limestone, 265. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 217. 
Liquor Traffic, 232. 
Livingston, Robert, 54. 
Local Option Law, 241. 
Locks at the "Soo," 233. 
Lothrop, George V. N., 242. 
Luce, Cyrus G., 240. 
Lumber, 225, 260. 
Lusson, Sieur de Saint, 35, 36. 
Lyon, Lucius, 150, 183, 184. 

Macomb, General Alexander, 113. 

Madison, Major, 117. 

Magna Charta, 75. 

Manning, Randolph, 211. 

Manufacturing, 269. 

Marl, 268. 

Married Women, 190, 197. 

Marquette, James, 34, 38, 40. 

Marsac, Captain, 141. 

Martin, George, 211. 

Mason, Stevens T., 137, 142, 144, 

150, 180. 
Mason, John T., 136. 
Maumee, Battle of the, 91. 
McArthur, Colonel, 110, 113, 123. 
McClelland, Robert, 199, 202, 205. 
McCoy, Isaac, 133. 
McDougall, Major, 68. 
McDowell, Colonel, 123. 
McMillan, James, 244. 
Mesnard, Rene, 31, 32. 
Mexico, Gulf of, 11. 
Miami Indians, 49. 
Military Scandal, 247. 
Miller, Lieut. Col., 112. 
Miner Law, 243. 
Mining School, Houghton, 235. 
Mizner, L. B., 178. 
Mohawk Indians, 29. 
Monguagon, Battle of the. 112. 
Monteith, Rev. John. 127, 128. 
Montreal, 18, 21. 
Moravian Indians, Ma^sRcre of, 

85. 
Moravian Road, The, 86. 
Mormons, 193. 
Morrell, George. 158. 



INDEX. 



277 



Morris Canal and Banking Com- 
pany, 175. 
Muir, Major, 112. 
Mundy, Edward, 150. 

Navarre, Robert, 58. 

New State Capitol, 227. 

Newspapers, 139. 

Newspaper, First, 107. 

New France, 33. 

Nicollet, Jean, 24, 28. 

Normal School, Mt. Pleasant, 

244. 
Normal School, Marquette, 244. 
Normal School, Kalamazoo, 244. 
Normal School, Ypsilanti, 193. 
Northwest, The Great, 95, 204. 
Norvel, John, 150, 185. 

Old Glory, 93. 

Ontario, Lake, 22. 

Ordinance of 1787, 96, 216, 271. 

Ottawa Indians, 30, 105. 

Palmer, Thomas W., 234. 
Panic of 1837, 170. 
Parsons, Samuel H., 98. 
Parsons, Andrew, 203, 211. 
Patriot's War, 177. 
Patton, John, Jr., 245. 
Peaches, 258. 
Pears, 258. 
Peppermint, 258. 
Period, The Heroic, 32. 
Perry's Victory, 121. 
Perry, Oliver Hazard, 120. 
Pierce, John D., 157. 
Pierce, Franklin, 187. 
Pingree, Hazen S., 246. 
Pizarro, 11. 

Pontchartrain, Count, 51, 53. 
Pontgrave, 20. 
Pontiac, 62, 73, 108. 
Porter, George B., 138, 144. 
Porter, Augustus S., 183. 
Porteret, Pierre, 40. 
Potato Patch Scheme, 247. 
Pottawattamie Indians, 105, 132. 
Poultry, 259. 

Powell, William Dummer, 89. 



Primary Reform, 250. 
Prison, Marquette, 235. 
Pritchett, Kintzing, 156. 
Proctor, Colonel Henry, 116. 

Quebec, 17, 21. 

Railroad Age, 164. 

Railroad, Central and Southern, 

176. 
Railroads in 1852, 213. 
Raisin, Massacre of the, 118. 
Ransom, Ephaphroditus, 159, 

187. 
Raymbault, Charles, 28. 
Reed, Ebenezer, 128. 
Reformatory at Ionia, 232. 
Repentguy, Chevalier de, 59. 
Revolution, War of the, 77. 
Rich, John T., 243. 
Richard, Father Gabriel, 106, 128, 

142. 
Richlieu, 21-23-26. 
River, Mississippi, 13, 
River, St. Lawrence, 17, 20. 
Roberts, Captain Charles, 112. 
Rogers, Major Robert, 60, 62, 93. 
Roosevelt, Theodore, 251. 
Rush, Richard, 147. 

Salaries of State Officers, 199. 

Salem Case, 223. 

Salt, 225, 266. 

Sargent, Winthrop, 98, 99. 

Schlosser, Ensign, 70. 

School for the Blind, Lansing, 

233. 
Schoolcraft, Henry, 162. 
Seward, William H., 200. 
Shaler, Charles, 149. 
Shearer, James, 227. 
Sheldon, John C, 128. 
Ship Building, 270. 
Sibley, Solomon, 100. 
Silk Industry, 270. 
Sinclair, Major Patrick, 83, 87. 
Sioux Indians, 31. 
Slavery, 97, 204, 217. 
Soldiers* Home, Grand Rapids, 

235. 



278 



INDEX. 



"Soo" Canal, 184, 201, 226. 
State Capitol, Location of, 192. 
State. Public School, Coldwater, 

228 
State' Seal, 254. 
St. Clair, General Arthur, 91, 98, 

99. 
Steuben, Baron, 87. 
Stockbridge, Francis B., 241, 
Stone, Building, 265. 
Strang, James J., 193. 
Strawberries, 259. 
Sugar Beets, 179, 258. 
Surrender of Detroit, 114. 
Symmes, John C, 98. 

Taylor, Zachary, 194. 
Tax Commission, 248. 
Taxation, Equal, 247. 
Tecumseh. 107, 108, 112. 
Thames, Battle of the, 123. 
Tippecanoe, Battle of, 109. 
Toledo War. The, 147, 148. 
Tonty, Henry de, 46, 55. 
Tunnel at Port Huron, 214. 
Turnbull, Captain George, 74. 
Turner, James M., 242. 

"Under the Oaks," 208. 
Underground Railway, 205. 



University of Michigan, 102, 163, 

272. 
Upper Peninsula, 151. 

Van Horn, Major, 111. 
Varnum, James M., 98. 
Verrazano, John, 12, 15. 
Vigo, Colonel Francis, 82. 
Visger, Jacob, 100. 

Walk-in-the-water (Steamship), 

129. 
War, The Civil, 215, 216. 
War, Spanish American, 246. 
Warner, Fred M., 251. 
Wasson, Ojibwa Chief, 68. 
Wayne, General Anthony, 91. 
Whiskey Ring, 229. 
White, Peter, 261. 
Williams, John R., 141. 
Winans, Edwin B., 242. 
Wisner, Moses, 209. 
Woodbridge, William. 126, 129, 

179, 182, 185, 203. 
Woodward, Augustus Brevoort, 

103, 128, 134. 
Wool, 258. 
Wyandotte Indians, 105. 

Zeisberger, David, 85. 



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